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Entertainment event aids Child Haven International

April 18 event at Unitarian Church of Victoria will feature a variety of entertainment

One of the organizers behind the Diwali variety show at UVic’s Farquhar Auditorium is putting his power and culture behind a Victoria fundraiser for Child Haven International.

“The people organizing the food part have already had a trial run and it was fantastic,” said Dr. Suresh Basrur. “They’re really going to put on a wonderful spread, a very nice dinner.”

While the event is supported by the Unitarian Church of Victoria across from Red Barn Market on West Saanich Road, it’s organized a team of volunteers with various faith backgrounds. That team hopes to sell 200 tickets to the April 18 event in Victoria.

“We’re also going to have some entertainment, some dancing, a short presentation of Indian dance,” Basrur said. “We’re also going to have classical music … they’ll play some light classical music while people are eating to provide a pleasant background.”

It’s all in aid of Child Haven International, based in Ontario

Founded by Rev. Fred Cappuccino and his wife Bonnie, Child Haven provides shelter, food, clothing and education to more than 1,300 destitute children.

“They started a small centre, now Child Haven has 10 centres total in India, Bangladesh, Nepal and Tibet. They provide shelter, food, clothing and education to these children,” Basrur said.

The homes are based on Mahatma Gandhi’s principles.

“What that means is that the children, whatever faith they were born in … they will continue with the same faith. There’s no concept of conversion,” Basrur said. “The children take care of each other and they grow up like a family, no matter what background.”

Tickets are $30 for the event at the Ukrainian Cultural Centre, 3277 Douglas St. For tickets call Christine Johnston at 250-385-5444.  Doors open at 6 p.m. with dinner at 6:30 on Saturday.