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www.celtic-connection.com
FEBRUARY 2009
Calgary Irish Community Gathers to 'Bring Sandra Home'
LETTER FROM THE PUBLISHER
CALGARY - Friends and employers of Sandra Casey (45), gathered on January 24 to celebrate her life and to raise funds to repatriate her body to her home in Newry, County Down.
Sandra died on January 18 after being hit by a car while on her way home from work in a bar in Calgary. She was getting out of a friend's car near her home when she was struck by a car that failed to stop. The 43-year-old driver did report to police later and was arrested and charged.
It was Sandra's wish to be buried alongside her mother. Her brother in Ireland is reported to have taken a mortgage out on his home to help
SANDRA CASEY
cover the costs. It is hoped the funds raised will help ease the burden for him.
Sandra's partner Deb, along with family and friends rallied to help raise the necessary funds. At the celebration of life held at Money Pennies Eatery and Bar, over 820,000 was raised.
Organizers of the fundraising event
say they received support and donations from taxi drivers, customers, small businesses and large organizations like the Calgary Flames.
"I am proud to say that we have raised over 020,000 to send Sandra home, and it is unbelievable the response of the communities to come together," said Natty Mac.
A trust fund has been set up in Sandra Casey's name and anyone wishing to support the fund can donate at any CIBC branch under account #00209-010-8666881. Donations can also be made on PayPal at: www.sourcespin.com/ sandra.php.
Cheques or money orders can be sent payable to Terry Wheeler (in trust for Sandra Casey) at: Trust Fund for Sandra Casey, c/o Money Pennies Fatery and Bar, 1742 - 10 Avenue SW, Calgary, AB T3C 0J8.
This Irish Ice Hockey Association Collector's Jersey Could be Yours!
MANY thanks to Sean Dooley of Nelson, B.C., who plays and coaches ice hockey with the Dundalk Bulls in Ireland for donating this Irish Ice Hockey Association (IIHA) jersey to The Celtic Connection as a fundraising item in aid of the newspaper.
This IIHA jersey will be raffled on February 14, at the Sweetheart's Ball, which is an appreciation night and fundraiser organized by the local Irish community to support The Celtic Connection newspaper.
Be the envy of your sports friends and don't miss this opportunity to add this unique hockey jersey to your collection.
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Dear Readers:
For the past 18 years,
Catholine and myself
have been privileged to
bring you The Celtic
Connection on a monthly
basis.
Over those years we have stood witness to the joys and sorrows of our community and, with each issue published, we continue to learn more about the wonderful and diverse people who make up our Celtic family.
This month in particular I would like to acknowledge the kindness and generosity of all those who are working to organize a Celtic Connection appreciation night to be held on February 14 at St. Patrick's Hall in Vancouver at Twelfth Avenue and Main Street.
All proceeds from the Sweetheart's Ball will benefit this publication and we are truly grateful for this assistance.
In particular, I would like to thank George McDonnell of the Irish Heritage Society; Deirdre O'Ruairc of the Irish Women's Network; John Pye of The Irish Club of White Rock; Steve McVittie of The Celtic Treasure Chest; and Helen Ritchie of Celtic Creations for their efforts on our behalf.
The evening will feature entertainment by some of Vancouver's best local Celtic talent, including the Rogues and Tinkers, the Pat Chessell Irish Band, Mark
By
MAURA McCAY
Downey, and the Violet Moore School of Irish Dance.
There will also be a silent auction which is being co-ordinated by the Irish Women's Network. If you would like to help them by donating any items, you can contact Deirdre O'Ruairc at (604) 538-6765.
His Excellency the Irish Ambassador to Canada Declan Kelly has been invited, along with other dignitaries. I hope that as many of our readers as possible will also be able to come out and enjoy an evening that will begin with a delicious meal followed by some great fun and socializing.
The rewards of publishing The Celtic Connection have been so much greater than monetary but the reality is that we must constantly rise to meet the challenges of keeping a small publication on track.
We couldn't do it without your support.
Hoping to see you on February 14. Full details of contacts for tickets are on page 3.
Wishing many blessings for you and your loved ones,
St. Brig id's Blessing for a Home
May Brigid bless the house where you dwell, every fireside, every door and every wall, every heart that beats beneath its roof, every hand that toils to bring it joy, every foot that walks its portals through. May Brigid bless the house that shelters you.
THE CELTIC CONNECTION
ISSUE 18 VOLUME 1
#452-4111 Hastings Street, Burnaby, B.C. V5C 6T7 Tel: (604) 434-3747 • Fax: (604) 438-8419 Website: www.celtic-connection.com Maura McCay - Publisher • E-Mail: maura@telus.net Catholine Butler-Advertising • E-Mail: cbutler@telus.net Colleen Carpenter - Copy Editor • Christine Burke - Ad Production Distribution: Sisa Kumar* Kevin Boggan • Kathy Griffin and Frank Dudfield in Surrey • James Carbin in Mission • Bill Duncan in Maple Ridge • Bill Carracher in White Rock • Nanci Spieker and Melissa Estelle in Seattle • Oliver Grealish in Edmonton.
Published 10 times peryear. Unsolicited submissions welcome butwill not be returned. Please retain a copy for your files. Contents copyright 2009 The CelticConnection. Opinionsexpressed here are not necessarily those of the publisher but rathera reflection ofvoiceswithin the community. All correspondence must include a name, addressand telephone number.
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