Vow of Silence - March 10

On Tuesday, March 10 QFTC held their Vow of Silence where we aimed to shed a light on the issue of oppression suffered by people around the world. Many members of QFTC did not communicate (no talking, emailing, texting, etc. ) for an entire 24 hours to represent the thousands of child soldiers, refugees, political prisoners and the many others whose voices are repressed all over the world and suffer physical and mental punishment for speaking out. Donations and pledges were collected from family members and friends to help in the fundraising of the building of a school in rural Kenya. With the support of the members of Amnesty International, QFTC held a booth in Mackintosh-Corrie to share the message with the rest of the Queen's community. The ability to share what we're thinking from asking for a coffee to expressing our opinion is a right we're so used to but a right that is denied by so many around the world. Check out some pictures below of those taking the Vow:


Thank you to all those who stopped by to learn more about the Vow of Silence and donated and we look forward to next year's Vow of Silence!

Vow of Silence Speaker - March 9

The day before the Vow of Silence, QFTC had Queen's own Dr. Gregory Jerkiewicz, from the Chemistry Department speak about his experience in the Polish Communist regime. As a university student he witnessed the demise of the freedom to express one's thoughts punishable by torture or even death. Being a key member of a student based movement Dr. Jerkiewicz helped spread the message of free speech not only in Poland but through the entire Soviet block, with no fear for his own welfare only determined to see the day when free speech would become a reality. After spending time in a Comminist prison and later being released he continued on his mission more determined than ever to bring about change. His story and his experience were an eye-opening and stirring account of the reality of living in a society with minimal rights and his courage struck a chord with everyone in attendance.


We'd like to extend a big thank you to Dr. Jerkiewicz for his inspirational words and to everyone who came out and we hope you found inspiration that motivates you to speak on behalf of those who are unable to.

Executive Applications- Due April 2

Hi everyone,

The year's almost come to an end and what a great year's its been! From Me to We Day to the Adopt a Village Charity Concert, QFTC has spread the word with your support and enthusiasm about children's rights issues and raised money for building a school in Kenya. We're looking forward to next year's exciting events and if you're interested in applying for a position on the 2009-2010 Queen's Free the Children Executve Team check out the available positions and complete the application.

Applications will be due on Thursday, April 2nd, 2009. Please email the application to queensfreethechildren@gmail.com. You will receive a confirmation email within 24 hours saying you're application has been received.

Please read over the application and instructions carefully and complete the sections that apply to you. Should you have any questions about the application or the positions don't hesitate to send us an email.

Good Luck!
Alex and Sabrina
QFTC Co-Chairs

Vow of Silence -March 10

121 million children of primary school age are denied the opportunity to attend school.

The Vow of Silence is a campaign in which a promise is made to stay silent the entire day (no talking, emailing, texting, etc. ) to raise awareness for children around the world who are silenced beacuse their rights are not recognized and their voices are not heard. Pledges are accepted from friends and family to fundraise and support the numerous Free the Children projects around the world and to support children's rights. Check out the new VoS website for more information, http://www.iamsilent.com/. The Vow of Silence campgain will be held from March 5 3 pm to March 6 3 pm all across the country

Queen's Free the Children will be hosting the Vow of Silence on Tuesday March 10 at 12 am to Wendesday March 11 at 12 am. In the days leading up to the Vow of Silence let everyone know that you are participating and keep track of donations using the Donation Sheet (found on the VoS website) The day before, Monday March 9, there will be a speaker to talk to us about the struggle against oppression and how we can help those who don't have a voice make their voices heard. Get your friends and family involved by spreading the message about the Vow of Silence come be a part of or stop by the Queen's Free the Children booth on campus and help with sharing our message.

If you are interested in being part of this campaign or would like to know more please email us at queensfreethechildren@gmail.com

Be part of the change and take a Vow of Silence with us on March 10!

2nd Annual Adopt a Village Charity Concert

Queen's free the children held their 2nd Annual Adopt a Village Charity Concert on Saturday February 7, 2009 at the Grad Club. What an awesome night it was! Music by the Matthews Brothers, Thaumatrope, and the Sonic Souls provided a great atmosphere. The silent auction was also a success and we'd like to extend a huge thank you to the business that generously donated the gifts. We were able to raise over $500 that will go to school building project in rural Kenya. We'd like to thank all the volunteers that came out and helped set up and keep everything running smoothly. And a BIG thank you to everyone who came out to the concert and supported our cause and we look forward to seeing you next year when we host the 3rd Annual Adopt a Village Charity Concert:

Check out some photos below from the concert:

A message from Marc and Free the Children

Happy Reading Week QFTCers! We hope you're enjoying the break. :)

Here's a link to a really cool message we just received from Marc Kielburger (Chief Executive Director of Free the Children).


I think all QFTCers will appreciate this message and realize the amazing work that we do! Check it out!

http://www.freethechildren.com/thankyou/queensftcclub/

Meeting Craig!

This past Saturday, QFTC had the privilege of meeting Craig Kielburger, the founder of Free the Children. It was an inspirational and exciting opportunity for us and we were full of questions and nervous anticipation. While he was talking and answering our questions, it dawned on us that the reason that Free the Children has had such a tremendous effect all over the world is because Craig shares his message with such strong conviction and passion for children’s rights that it inspires each and everyone of us to be active in making a difference. His message of empowerment and change is one that can be taken and applied by educating ourselves and being aware of the problems that the world faces and addressing them through being active and vocal.

Check out some pictures below of Craig speaking:

His words and ideas have motivated us to take that extra step and get the message out there by educating those in our community and bringing to light the many resources available to address children’s rights.

We would like to thank Craig for taking the time to meet with us as we know he has a busy schedule. It was an amazing and awe-inspiring day which we will never forget!!!!