“Voluntour” Team Prepares for Feb 2012 Departure
Departing February 9th, 2012, volunteers from across Canada will travel to Uganda for an experience that will change their lives, and positively impact the lives of Ugandans. Canadian citizens, ranging from ages 16 to 68, with a varied set of skills, and a common passion and determination to make a difference, will participate in the malaria prevention and control program offered through Buy-a-Net Canada and Uganda. “I am so excited to be going,” said Joanne Douglas, member of the Catholic Women’s League of Canada. “It’s an opportunity of a lifetime.” Led by Debra Lefebve, the group will be in Uganda until the end of February. The team will join the Ugandan community based information and education program aimed at protecting primarily women and children from malaria, and will also participate in the distribution of bed nets and program evaluation initiatives. In addition, the group will meet Ugandan “beaders”, the women who create the jewelry available through Buy-a-Net’s unique “Beading Up Malaria” initiative. For more information or if you wish to be considered for an upcoming “volunteer” experience, please contact Gail Fones or Katie McNeill at 613-542-1264 or buyanet@buyanet.ca.
Buy-a-Net Helps Feed Starving Families in East Africa
Friends of Buy-a-Net raised nearly $4,500 to help feed families in East Africa. Matched by the Federal Government, that’s nearly $9,000! “We believe that no mother or father should have to watch their child die from starvation; not now, not ever,” said Debra Lefebvre. With the help of hundreds of caring families in Kingston, ON, as well as His Worship Mayor Gerretsen, The Hon Ted Hsu and family, NDP Provincial Candidate Mary Rita Holland, and Councillor Brian Reitzel, a car wash and bake sale was held on Saturday, July 30th. Amazing results for families in East Africa, with love from families in Canada. All proceeds to CARE Canada. To donate, visit target>”_blank”http://www.care.ca and note “Families2Families” initiative. Thank you everyone!
Another Local of Ontario Nurses Association Takes Action
July 19, 2011 by admin
Filed under NetRaisers
Ontario Nurses Association (ONA) Local 92, netted a village to protect mothers and their children from malaria. Not only does this mean so much to families in Kawempe District, but “nurse2nurse”, it means a great deal to our Founder, Debra Lefebvre, a Registered Nurse in Ontario. Thank you for your generosity and support.
Nfld and Labrador NU Net Again!
January 13, 2011 by admin
Filed under NetRaisers
Nurses of NFld and Labrador once again show that nurses get the job done! Thank you for choosing to save lives from malaria through your Union! Our Founder, Debra Lefebvre, is a Nurse. She loves her job!
Bringing an End to Malaria, One Bead At A Time
In this article, Debra Lefebvre shares the vision and purpose of the “Beading Up Malaria” project.
http://www.emckingston.ca/20101007/Lifestyle/Bringing+an+end+to+malaria%2C+one+bead+at+a+time
Cornwall Catholic Women’s League brings hope
July 11, 2010 – Cornwall, Ontario Members of the Catholic Women’s League bring peace and hope to families in Uganda. Debra Lefebvre, Executive Director, Buy-A-Net, arrived in Cornwall, Ontario to participate in the Catholic Women’s League of Canada 63rd Annual Ontario Provincial Convention at the Nav Canada Training and Conference Centre from July 11 th to 14th. The Convention will bring over 300 delegates from 13 dioceses from across Ontario. In honour of the event, Mayor Bob Kilger has proclaimed July 10th to 16th as “Catholic Women’s League” week in the city. The Most Reverend Archbishop Brendan O’Brien will be in attendance. As “Women of Peace and Hope”, the Catholic Women’s League has provided 4,000 bed nets to the Lugazi Parish, Uganda, and thousands more to the District of Kawempe, Uganda, as well as anti-malaria medication to children.
Stop malaria to save lives: Princess
OTTAWA – An international group of malaria experts is calling on G8 leaders to make the disease part of its plan to boost maternal and child health.
Astrid, Princess of Belgium, told a meeting of Canadian parliamentarians and anti-malaria organizations it’s critical to get the message across that malaria is completely preventable.
“Malaria control is central to improving the health and well-being of populations in endemic countries,” she said Friday in Ottawa.
Malaria kills one million African children every year. Pregnant women are four times more likely to catch malaria, which leads to severe maternal anemia, premature births and low birth weight. But it’s easy to prevent malaria with insecticide-treated bed nets, and handing out free nets is a way to get women into clinics for prenatal care, said Debra Lefebvre of Buy-A-Net, a Canadian organization that raises money to distribute free nets.
Awa Marie Coll-Seck, executive director of Roll Back Malaria, says she’s worried the priorities of the G8 change every year, but malaria should be a consistent target.
“Malaria is on the development agenda and I am happy to see you all raising the issue at the G8,” Coll-Seck said. “Every priority, malaria is there.”
http://www.ottawasun.com/news/canada/2010/04/16/13616141.html
http://www.torontosun.com/news/canada/2010/04/16/13615346.html
James Brown, Chairperson, receives Outstanding Philanthropist of the Year Award
Thursday, November 12th, 2009
At the 5th Annual National Philanthropy Day awards ceremony held in Kingston, Ontario, James Brown, Chairperson, Buy-A-Net, received the Outstanding Philanthropist of the Year award. James was recognized for his leadership, inspiration and engagement of others with his belief that our global community is stronger if we can work together when supporting important charitable initiatives.
“We are delighted that James is the Chair of our Board,” said Debra Lefebvre. “James has made a personal commitment to save lives from malaria. He traveled to Uganda in 2008 and witnessed first hand the devastation caused to families by this killer disease. He generously gives his energy and resources to make malaria history. He is the voice of those who don’t have one. He is a model philanthropist.”
Hosted by the Association of Fundraising Professionals, which has 30,000 members worldwide, the luncheon was well attended by local and regional delegates, including Mr. Rob Matheson, Kingston City Councillor, and Mr. John Gerretsen, MPP, Kingston and the Islands, Ontario, Canada.
Buy-A-Net recognized as the 2nd leading citizen-led malaria fighting organization in Uganda
Founder of Buy-A-Net, Debra Lefebvre & Deputy High Commissioner of Uganda, Joseph Kahiigwa
At a Parliamentary Reception, H.E. The Hon. Joseph Kahigwa, Deputy High Commissioner of Uganda, offered words of thanks to Buy-A-Net Malaria Prevention Group for saving lives in Uganda. Mr. Kahigwa, on behalf of the Government of Uganda said, “Buy-A-Net is the 2nd leading malaria fighting group in Uganda.” Debra Lefebvre, Founder remarked, “Through community education and involvement, our model of malaria prevention and control is working incredibly well.” jd
Maude Barlow Lends Support
Maude Barlow National Chair of the Council of Canadians lends support and shares a moment with Debra Lefebvre before they each give their address to the delegates at CUPE 46th Convention. Maude’s most gracious words of support and recognition for the work of Buy-A-Net are encouraging especially coming from such an accomplished author, leader and long time champion of all peoples well-being everywhere on this planet. As fate would have it Debra Lefebvre was also was able to thank Maude for the “A” grade on her masters program paper based on an interview she gave when Ms. Lefebvre was in her masters program a few years ago.
