Acceso International - 4th Annual Dinner - Celebrating 10 years.

Acceso International was founded in 1996 by Dr. Christine Gervais, a young Canadian woman, who was inspired by her travels in Latin America and the Caribbean. Acutely aware of her own scholarship privileges, she initiated Acceso International to address the disparity between her educational opportunities and those of students in economically disadvantaged countries. She is now joined by over thirty volunteers who share her vision of educational equality. Together, they work to provide educational opportunities for socio-economically disadvantaged children, youth and women in Latin America, the Caribbean and in Canada.

Christine Gervais, is my cousin, an inspiring woman that I have looked up to for years. I remember being 16, hearing about all that Christine and thinking, wow she is going to change the lives of a lot of people in the world. And my God...she has. Not only has she changed lives directly in Latin and South America, but she has opened a lot eyes and hearts to the growing issue of the lack of education in that part of the world. Her foundation is quite personal, she put together a memorial busary in my Papa's name, and I think she is changing it to both of my grandparents. Simply touching!!!
Although I have always been inspired by her, this past weekend, I became very intrigued. I have reread her entire website, and I think that maybe after Im finished my degree...I will volunteer to go overseas to see the children that the Clancy Gervais Memorial Fund has helped, and see if there is any direct contribution that I can make.

http://www.accesointernational.ca/

Not only was this an important weekend for the dinner...but it was also our first road trip together. Cheesy, I know, but it was important to me. We had a great drive up, some great snuggle time in the hotel...for me...it brought on a whole new level of comfort for me.

Something else that really touched my heart was how interested Rodney was in the fundraiser and in the entire foundation. We both loved the meal and the entertainment was great! There was a silent auction that went throughout the evening. Rodney began bidding almost as soon as we got in the door! I bid on a few things. He spotted this GORGEOUS necklace! Onyx and Pearls. Its simply stunning! Now before we left for Ottawa, Rodney mentioned that if we end up going shopping, he would like to get something for his Mom...so I assumed it was for her. Then out of the blue, as the bidding is increasing (rather fast), he tells me how good its going to look on me! ME!!! HOOK LINE AND SINKER!
He ended up bidding over double the valued price and WON!!! After he picked it up, I just wanted to go back to the hotel room and put it on!!!

Sunday, we had a super lazy morning...come to think of it, we dont get to sleep in often (together that is)...then we drove to Arnprior to have lunch with my mom. I was really excited that he said that he cannot wait for next year....oh 10 or 15 times. :)

All in all...what a fabulous weekend!