I have been AWOL for a couple months due to a series of circumstances I don't want to get into. However, I was sent this editorial today and I just had to post it here since there are so many of the most wonderful Canadians I have ever had the privilege to know here!
Canadians look to aid U.S. neighbours
By JUDY MONCHUK-- The Canadian Press
It's the power of one multiplied by thousands.
From schoolchildren to autoworkers, Canadians are trying to soothe the pain of the United States by raising funds for victims of last week's terrorist attacks, flying American flags and leaving messages of sympathy and support.
In Calgary, what began as one high school's appeal to each student to bring in a loonie for bereaved families has spread throughout the city's education system and to school boards across Canada via the Internet.
"It's almost like holding hands," said June Hughes, a teacher at James Fowler, where the student population boasts 109 ethic groups.
Organizers of Students Supporting Survivors have sent messages to Ontario, British Columbia and Quebec. Early Monday, they had heard back from a Montreal teacher interested in having her school on board.
"You don't know what to do so we grab each other's hands and squeeze tight," said Hughes. "It's kind of a way we can join hands with our neighbours."
The loonie campaign is one of hundreds of fundraisers being held across Canada to aid in the U.S. relief effort.
The Red Cross, which is acting as the channel for most of the donations, had received $878,000 by midday Monday.
"That's the tip of the iceberg," said Red Cross spokeswoman Suzanne Charest, noting that tens of thousands of calls have been received since last Tuesday's attacks.
"This has truly struck a chord with Canadians. People want to find a way to help."
Corporations such as Petro-Canada, the Bank of Montreal and Air Canada have launched employee donation campaigns, while companies such as the Bay and Zellers have offered merchandise.
Canadian unions have contributed more than $750,000 to the United States relief effort, said Ken Georgetti, president of the Canadian Labour Congress.
"Every leader I talk to wants desperately to do something," Georgetti said from Ottawa.
"These are our fellow workers. This is a huge workplace tragedy ... Let's not forget that those people were all trying to make a living when they were killed."
There is a special resonance with emergency workers.
Firefighters in Yellowknife banded together to honour their fallen New York colleagues by holding a weekend car wash that raised $30,000 in the city of about 18,000.
"One thing about the fire service, no matter where you are it's a pretty close group of people," said chief Mick Beauchamp. "It crosses big-time between fire departments and even across borders."
An estimated 100,000 people crowded Parliament Hill last Friday for a memorial service to honour the dead. But as political leaders began a debate Monday what Canada's role should be in any military assault, the emotions of the tragedy which has left more than 5,000 dead were still raw to many.
"May their souls be a sacrifice for World Peace," read a notation in a book of condolences in Iqaluit, where flags remained at half-mast.
In the front window of a house in southwest Calgary, handwritten in crayon was the message: God Bless America.
Some feel the outpouring of emotion is the only hope for a peaceful future.
"We need to feel this togetherness," said Kerry Duncan McCartney of Project Ploughshares.
"Sadly, it often takes a tragedy to pull people together, but this kind of compassionate response is the only real alternative to a military response."
We are a pretty nice bunch, aren't we? Um, was that $30,000 raised in Yellowknife in U.S. or Canadian funds. If Canadian, it's probably only worth about $18,000 U.S. so don't get too excited yet. LOL
Seriously though, thank you for your kind words. The disasters in the U.S. have touched us all. We've had our differences and disagreements, but you are our dear neighbour and you're in pain. What else could we do but try to lend a hand?
God bless.
I will agree...those Canadians are a peachie bunch! Everytime I think about them sending 1000 doggie booties I think of Ruth and get a big smile on my fluffy face!
OK, I'm all ablush now! This Canadian chickie also donated to the relief efforts--today on the news the Tornot police force are inviting the public to take a picturrre on one of their Harleys and the proceeds go to the families of the emergency workers who lost thier lives trying to save everyone else. Pretty neat, I thought.
It's nice to be missed and I will try to post more often, I miss you guys! But so many things are pulling at my time these days.
I had thought I had problems until last Tuesday when they all became so very insignificant.
Actually I have been staying OP. It has become a habit....a way of life! I have gotten out of the daily exercise routine though. Hopefully soon........
I've got to say it....I love Canadians!!!
Um, was that $30,000 raised in Yellowknife in U.S. or Canadian funds. If Canadian, it's probably only worth about $18,000 U.S. so don't get too excited yet. LOL
I have gotten out of the daily exercise routine though. 
