Hudsonite aims high for Canada World Youth

Aimee Ambroziak is ready to pack her backpack for a trip to Bolivia with Canada World Youth, but before she can embark on a journey to help others, she has to sell a lot of cupcakes.

The 25-year-old Hudson resident was one of nine Canadians chosen by CWY to participate in a six-month international development project.

The journey will begin next month when she leaves for Bolivia, located in central South America, where she’ll live with a host family for three months before returning for Canada to work another three months with nine other volunteers from Bolivia. “We will be working, teaching children and teens basic health care, how to resolve problems peacefully and how to develop a sustainable community,” said Ambroziak of her jobs in Bolivia.

In its 39 years in operation, CWY has sent more than 30,000 people aged 15-25 to countries in Africa, Latin America, Asia, the Caribbean, and Eastern Europe.

The non-profit organization says its goal is to allow youth to activley take part in the development of harmonious and sustainable societies. “Canada World Youth envisions a world of active, engaged global citizens who share responsibility for the well-being of all people and the planet,” reads a statement on the CWY website.

Sweet donations To fulfill an application challenge, Ambroziak must contribute $2,800 to CWY that will ensure that other volunteers can embark on future projects. All funds must be collected by July 14. “I’ve raised a little less than half so far,” notes Ambroziak, a graduate from Concordia University’s theatre program. With a little more than a month to go before her July 29 departure, Ambroziak plans to bake and craft her way to fundraising success with a series of upcoming events. She’ll offer homemade cupcakes for a donation this Saturday, June 26, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Finnegan's Market, located at 775, rue Main, Hudson, and will also be on hand during Hudson’s Canada Day Celebrations from 3p.m. to 8 p.m. at Thompson Park. Another event, a fundraiser yard sale and raffle, will take place at her home, 79, chemin de l’Anse in Rigaud, on July 10 from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. During all events, Ambroziak will additionally give people the opportunity to write messages to Bolivia in a scrapbook she’s created. She says children from the daycare where she works are excited to paste small pictures, write notes and sign their names in the book, knowing it will be hand delivered to South America. And during it all, Ambroziak has discovered an unknown side of herself. “I really love talking to people (about CWY) and this project… I’ve heard stories from people who went with the program when they were younger and others who wish they could,” she said, adding, “For me this is the right thing to do and the right time to do it.” For information on events or to donate, call 450- 451-6410 or email aimee_rose@hotmail.com. To find out more about Canada World Youth, go to www.canadaworldyouth.org.

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