My father and I are bicycling across Canada this summer. We hope to raise some money and awareness for Amnesty International (AI).
AI is a worldwide movement dedicated to the protection and promotion of human rights. AI takes action to stop grave abuses of the rights to physical and mental integrity, freedom of conscience and expression, and freedom from discrimination. We campaign to free prisoners of conscience, protect refugees, abolish the death penalty, and end political killings, "disappearances" and torture. AI seeks to expose human rights abuses accurately and quickly. We systematically and independently research the facts of individual cases and pattens of human rights abuses. These findings are publicized, and members, supporters and staff then mobilize persistent public pressure on governments, armed political groups, companies and others to prevent and stop these violations.
An ancient Japanese legend states that anyone who folds 1,000 origami cranes will be granted a wish. This legend was popularized by Sadako Sasaki, a Japanese girl who contracted leukemia as a direct result from the atomic bombing at Hiroshima. She died after folding 600 cranes. Today, tens of millions of cranes are folded in that country and others every year. These symbols have come to represent hope for a better world. I have folded 1,000 cranes and we will give these out in exchange for donations.

Wednesday, July 1, 2009

Playing Tourists

As of the last few days we've spent in Ottawa we have officially become tourists. On Sunday we were planning on going to the National Art gallery and then the Museum of Civilization across the bridge in Gatineau. We ended up spending several hours at the art gallery and didn't have time for the Museum of Civiliztion. Our favorite piece of art would've had to be a large whale skeleton-ish model, made of cut up Corona chairs. (The white plastic lawn chairs that are really comfortable?) We weren't allowe to take pictures though so if you want to see it you'll just have to come to Ottawa. The next day we went to the M of C, and I could write a fairly lengthy bit about that as well, but it would take to long. Then yesterday to top it all off we dropped by the Amnesty Canada Headquarters for a lovely barbeque at lunch time, and then we had the official tour of the building. We also talked to Lindsay and George who have set up an online donation page for us, have a look if you want by clicking here. And today we hope to walk around a bit this evening, listen to some music, and watch fireworks. Happy Canada Day everyone!!!
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6 comments:

  1. Lindsay StidwillJuly 2, 2009 at 12:29 PM

    Best Wishes to you both with the Northern Ontario trek ahead of you. Just keep in mind that once you get up all those hills it's nothing but flat prairie ahead!!!

    Great to meet you both, you are such an inspiration and really revitalized us here in Ottawa.

    Keep safe and in the moment,
    Lindsay

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  2. GeorgeJuly 2, 2009 at 6:00 PM

    Great to meet both of you here in Ottawa. Good luck with the Ontario crossing .. don't mind the blackflies and mosquitoes (they're smaller than you are!)

    Look forward to hearing from you at internet cafes along the route and hoping to see a picture of something 'big' from somewhere (i.e. Wawa goose).

    Best wishes,
    George

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  3. AnonymousJuly 2, 2009 at 10:27 PM

    My mom and I are planning to do a tourist day of Ottawa some time this summer too! Yes I know we live here but really, who can appreciate their own city unless you're looking through the eyes of a tourist? The M of C is one of the best, but there are a lot of really cool places to hang out in Ottawa that I wish you guys could of seen! Like the cool cafes and the awesome stores (Yes I realize that shopping was kind of out of the question for you guys but we have such cool stores!) I wish you guys all the luck! I'm rooting for you Tucker and Bob!

    -Rayna F-D
    p.s. as a broke teenager I lack the ability to send in money at the moment but I'll start working on it!

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  4. AnonymousJuly 3, 2009 at 4:40 PM

    Hi! it's Valérie from la Marina de batiscan !
    you're suppose to remember me!
    I hope everything goes Okay ;)
    And be prudent on the Road !!
    I hope that you like your stop to our village at Batiscan :)
    valle

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  5. AnonymousJuly 5, 2009 at 9:06 AM

    Hi guys, hello from Bridgewater, NS.
    You both are spoke of each and every day. Tucker your buds miss you, the soccer team misses you too. Take care on your travels and we are following your blog. Maxine, Sullee, Blake, Tigger, Pooh Bear and Toby!

    ReplyDelete
  6. AnonymousJuly 7, 2009 at 12:22 PM

    Happy Canada guys.We are following your blog as well here at the Red Cross Cheryl and Lisa

    ReplyDelete

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