Forte e gentile, tu sei abruzzese

<<…quando c’è bisogno non solo di intelligenza agile e di spirito versatile, ma di volontà ferma e di persistenza e di resistenza, io mi sono detto a voce alta: tu sei abruzzese!>>.

 *..when there is a need not only for an agile intelligence and a versatile spirit, but also for an iron will and persistence and endurance, I told myself aloud: you are Abruzzese!* Benedetto Croce

Most regular readers know that I have family and friends in Abruzzo.

My maternal grandparents left Abruzzo with their children in the late 50’s and moved to Canada but they always kept close ties to the family they left behind.

Not only was my mother (and her sisters and cousins) raised with a deep love and affection for relatives back in Celano, but my generation was also raised to hold Celano dear in our hearts and we have always has close relationships with our relatives there.

I even married a Celanese.

My husband and I have been fortunate. Our loved ones, family, friends, everyone we hold dear is safe and sound.

But I can see sorrow in my husband’s eyes every time we watch the news and he sees his land and his people devastated.

Aquila is gone.  Yesterday the Protezione Civile announced that there wasn’t a single building, public or private that is safe.

Aquila is gone and I can’t tell you how this breaks my heart.

Yesterday morning I received an email from the Secretary of the Federazione Abruzzese in Canada and I wanted to share its contents with you all.

I have seen the blogging community accomplish great things, so now I am appealing to you to help me spread this information. If you are a Canadian Blogger in the Greater Toronto Area please mention this initiative in a post.

The  Federazione Associazioni e Club Abruzzesi Greater Toronto and The Grand Priory of Canada for the Knights Hospitallers of the Sovereign Order of St. John of Jerusalem Knights of Malta (Ecumenical Order) have created a Trust for those affected by the earthquake in Abruzzo.

Please help me to spread the word about this to as many people as we can.

For those who want to help you can make a donation to:

O.S.J. Charities Trust Fund for L’Aquila

Abruzzo Italy - Earthquake

Account Number: 09012 69-21310

At: CIBC 7765 Yonge Street, Thornhill, Ontario L3T 2C4

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Feel free to spread the word, especially for all you Canadians out there. Donations can be made at any CIBC nation wide.