Month: March 2020

Covid-19 impact on Friendship Force International

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A Note on COVID-19’s Impact of Friendship Force

Dear Friends,

The impact of COVID-19 on Friendship Force clubs and headquarters is undeniable. As an organization whose existence depends on members participating in Journeys, our income has very nearly been erased. Furloughing staff, reducing hours, eliminating all expenses, and suspending our projects will help us continue without Journey revenue for a few more months, but it falls woefully short to see us through this pandemic. In a massive effort to coordinate efforts between your Board of Directors, Field Representatives, club leaders and others, a fundraising initiative will be launching in your region soon. A full report on the impact, including Journey cancellations, our financial position, and answers to all your questions, is a part of this effort. In the days to come, you may hear from your regional leaders about ways in which you can support FFI through this difficult time, and I thank you in advance for taking the time to consider them. As always, but especially now, stay safe, stay sane, and if there is anything our staff, Board, or I can do for you, please don’t hesitate to reach out. In friendship,
Jeremi Snook, President/CEO

 

Changes due to Covid-19

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Notes from Bill Bertenshaw, president

As all of you are aware, the spread of the Coronavirus has made significant changes in all of our plans.

Following is the latest news regarding our club activities.

1. The March 14 luncheon was cancelled — The speaker has been re-scheduled for the Nov. 14th luncheon

2. FFI has cancelled ALL Journeys until after May 31

3. Cedar Rapids Journey to FFNM has been cancelled

4. The Wine and Cheese event scheduled for April 27 is cancelled

5. Penticton-Okanagan, Canada, club has cancelled our club planned Outbound Journey to them

6. Our Outbound Journey to Saskatoon, Canada, is scheduled for June 18-25. All preliminary arrangements have been made and Saskatoon is hoping that the threat of the virus will have passed and they can host us. Diane Rand, Phil Moskal and Lori Enright are our Journey Coordinators and are staying current with the situation and in contact with Saskatoon.

7. Nancy Galbraith is our Journey Coordinator to Bristol, England, September 9-16. No specific information on that trip at this time

8. Greater Hamilton – Burlington, Canada, is scheduled to visit us October 21-28 and go to Phoenix for their 2nd week. This is a firm trip and we NEED A JOURNEY COORDINATOR.

9. FFI has sent our club their Domestic Journey assignments for 2021. They are Outbound: Southern New Jersey, USA, and Inbound: National Capitol Area.USA

The club will be in touch when there is more news.

Stay Well

Bill Bertenshaw President

March luncheon

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Friendship Force International was founded by Wayne Smith and introduced by President Jimmy Carter on March 1, 1977! FFI will be celebrating its 43rd year in March!

At our March luncheon, Ms. Camilla Dodson, a Chautauqua speaker, will be helping us celebrate with her African instruments. Ms. Dodson is the daughter of a Lesotho (South Africa) chief. For many years she lived in South Africa and Ireland. She was one of 5 people invited to speak when Nelson Mandela returned to Cape Town after 27 years in prison!
Drums are probably the earliest musical instrument, common to all cultures. Ms. Dodson’s presentation describes the role of music in traditional African society using drumming!
This program has been made possible by the New Mexico Humanities Council and the National Endowment for the Humanities for funding of the program.
Please help us celebrate 43 years of journeys and enjoy the entertainment, history, people and culture up close and personal!! Bring a guest!
Please make your reservations no later than Tuesday, March 10, 2019, by calling or texting Berta Wagstaff at 710-4448 or emailing her at vets4vets@aol.com. PLACE: Ramada Midtown (formerly Hotel Eleganté ) ADDRESS: 2020 Menaul Blvd. NE DATE: Saturday, March 14 TIME: 11:30 am >COST: $15.00 per person (Checks, made out to FFNM, are preferred) NOTE: The Club must pay the hotel for all reservations. If you make a reservation and do not attend, you will be billed $15.00 for each reservation. Berta Wagstaff