Global Love on a Local Level - ecoCULTURE

It all started in summer 2008...with a little wine, some celebratory rooftop dancing and the frolicking artistry of The Peace Series creators Emily Krouse and Samara Shuter. Two years later the 'happy you've finished your LSAT's party' has culminated into the inspiration to truly make a difference in the world. The Peace Series is a fledgling humanitarian effort, set in motion by Em and Sam’s motivation and commitment. "It's all about awareness" says Sam, "even if all people take away is a shift in perspective and a greater appreciation for all the things we often take for granted," (read: our mostly-cozy, safe, government funded public education filled lives) “we will have made a difference.” But their dreams, are of course much bigger than that.

Em & Sam’s rooftop painting session encapsulated a moment in time where they decided to take matters into their own hands, by not only painting the first of what is now “The Peace Series”, but laying the groundwork for a grassroots initiative that is culminating on June 9th at the Steam Whistle Brewery in Toronto.

Inspired by the story of close friend Ruby- who’d ventured to Uganda as part of a literacy team (led by Judy Labow and Howard Shapiro), their work led to the creation of The Namuwongo Project (NP), which aims to provide literacy opportunities for children (that have been orphaned by war, familial violence and disease) in the slum of Namuwongo, who would otherwise receive no formal schooling whatsoever.

The NP has, as its ultimate goal, the establishment of a ‘free-of-charge’, government recognized, full-time, co-educational, day school. The immediate goal is the increase in the number of pupils, school hours and Ugandan teachers (since the inception of the NP, over 60 children have received some education through the program, and 18 children have been sponsored by NP volunteers to attend formal school. At the present time the NP services 15 children aged 5 years to 8 years).

"As individuals we feel that the benefits from education comes a more peaceful world for everyone. And the more children we help to become educated, the more peace will spread throughout our world." Sam and Emily were so moved by the initiative that they have since spent tireless hours (doing the work of an entire committee themselves ...mad props ladies) rallying the support of the community and local artists to create a fundraising event not to be missed.

The Peace Series has received so much viral buzz from friends telling friends that they’ve created a huge network of collaborators. 30 artists (Matt Durant, Ross Etherington and Elizabeth Dyer to name a few) have contributed pieces for the event so far. Each artist will donate a painting that will be auctioned in support of the Namuwongo project - all focusing on one main theme: peace.

Tix are $45, and for a meager $285 a kid an entire 3 year program of education is provided including school materials, shoes, and meals. The goal of the event is to raise enough dough to send 33 kids to the program (and we are hoping for more!). Ticket and auction sales will go directly to the program (zero admin fees are being taken – speaks to the commitment of these girls who have absorbed the costs of setting this whole thing up). Attendees can also purchase raffle tickets at the event for lots of awesome stuff as another way to contribute, and direct donation into the program is also encouraged.

Come out on June 9th and spread some global love and Blue-centric vibes.

For more info check out: www.thepeaceseries.com or visit their Facebook page: www.facebook.com/pages/The-Peace-Series/111131572236485?v=info

peace <3

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