Shelley and Leslie attended HeART for Dalits last evening in Gastown in an old renovated warehouse, 4th floor walk-up. We had learned about the Dalit Freedom Network based out of Surrey, BC through Kerry's diligent research and internet sleuthing. It was a most enjoyable and informative evening. Jon Livingstone spoke to the mostly youthful crowd, (and it was crowded!) explaining the purpose of the evening's fundraiser and the role the DFN has played in India since 2001. It was great to see Jon again after several years and his wife Suzi, is delightful. Shelley and Leslie supported the "Lydia Project" by purchasing a few necklaces made by Dalit women and they also thoroughly enjoyed meeting Sherry Bailey, the executive director of the DFN. It's great to know we have this intimate contact now with a great resource - right on our doorstep.
Leslie spoke to the young lady regarding The Lydia Project selling jewelry at our dance on October 16th at the Deep Cove Yacht Club and we are fairly certain that Jon or Sherry would also come out to our event to speak about the DFN and it's importance to India.
Shelley and Leslie both came home with pieces of art which will only become more treasured after our return from India.
The population of Dalits is now estimated at 350 million. More than the entire population of the United States of America.
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