Sept 23, 2011 :
TDH can benefit from your United Way/Centraide donations 

The annual United Way campaign is a great way to direct your donation dollars where you want them to go and, in many workplaces, your employer tops up that amount, making your contribution even more valuable. You can designate your contribution to any registered Canadian charity. To direct your donation to TDH, look for a section on your donation form for 'Other Canadian Registered Charities'. Specify TDH Canada Inc. and its business/charity registration number 119208940RR0001. By doing so, you can support an organization that may be dear to your heart while contributing to the United Way Campaign at the same time. For more information about THD Canada's humanitarian projects visit www.tdh.ca. Many thanks!

July 26, 2011 :
TDH Ontario Implements 'My Adoption Portal', an Online Client System

This new web-based system enables our clients to fill in forms online, saving time and delays in providing  paper copies through the mail. My Adoption Portal (MAP) also enables TDH to capture data more readily, post information about the status of your application and enable us to serve you more effectively. All new adopting families with TDH Ontario are encouraged to sign up for the system. To do so click here. Once you are signed up you can log in anytime using this link, which also appears at the foot of each TDH Ontario web page.

April 18, 2011 :
Honduras Program - An Option to Consider

TDH has been doing adoptions in Honduras since 1974, when the program was initiated by Dorinda and two other Quebec women after Hurricane Fifi devastated much of the north coast of the country. We were in fact the first country to do international adoptions in Honduras, and at one point it was one of our largest programs, with more than 50 children a year being proposed. During this time, we also established many programs of humanitarian assistance, including schools, malnutrition centers, dental clinics, safe water projects, sewing and gardening coops, etc. Our school continues to the present, and we support it financially to the best of our ability.

Over the years the number of adoptions dropped, as economic issues in the country prevented children from being declared abandoned by the courts and thus eligible for adoption. Agencies from Spain were active, and in the early years of 2000, there were some 200 dossiers on the waiting list which IHNFA (Instituto Hondureño de la Niñez y la Familia) maintained. At about 35 children placed internationally each year, this meant a 5- to 6-year waiting period.

Recently, however, with the technical help of a US organization, there has been a renewal within IHNFA, and a greater concern to move the children out of the orphanages at an age when they would still be considered adoptable. There is still work to be done to move things within the courts and at other steps of the process, but there is certainly reason for optimism. Moreover, whereas previously children could come only from public (government-run) orphanages, now it is possible for children from private orphanages to be adopted. Finally, for some very particular administrative reasons, many of the Spanish dossiers had to be withdrawn, and the number of dossiers “in line” at IHNFA is only 24. At the same time, some US agencies have been accredited, and there is beginning to be interest from these agencies in Honduras

In a recent conversation with our lawyer in Honduras, Marta Montoya, who maintains close contact with IHNFA, she told us that her estimate now for the placement of a child between 2 and 4 years old is approximately two years. While there can be no guarantee of this, and it remains an estimate, it does receive some support in terms of the experience of the waiting period of our recent families, which has been less than two years. Priority is of course given to those who are willing to accept older children (up to 5 years), sibling groups, or children with special needs, as well as to married couples younger than 35. Single women are nonetheless accepted, as are couples older than 35 (however couples over 40 must be prepared to accept a child who is 4 years and older).

In summary, we are recommending an increase in the number of adoption files deposited in Honduras based on an interpretation of three changing factors: 1. the reported new level of processing activity due to some technical assistance. We take this as a sign of new life in the Honduran system. 2. The unexpected reduction of the current waiting list to 24 from a reported 100-200, due to changes in the situation between Honduras and Spain. 3. The report of our in-country lawyer who asserts that this is the time to increase our deposit of files, due to these changed circumstances.

By this time anyone involved in this work understands that International Adoption is  fluid and unstable everywhere. There can be no promises. And even though there are disappointments, there are also successes. But there can be educated estimations and decisions based on reasonable expectations. Having kept a very close watch on the developments in Honduras, we are expressing our current interpretations, the elements our interpretations are based on, and our positive prognostication for the immediate future of international adoption in Honduras.

In the near future, TDH will host a delegation consisting of two members of IHNFA (including the Director) and our lawyer.  Please contact Emi (emi@tdh.ca) if you would like to welcome this delegation with us, or to have more information on this program.
                           
N.B. For those who are interested, you may read the blogspot of a US family currently in process of a Honduras adoption: http://catrachoconnection.blogspot.com/ and another, in French, of a TDH adoption recently completed: http://noshistoiresdadoption.blogspot.com/

March 28, 2011 :
Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) Group of Ottawa Meetings

We encourage adoptive parents, prospective parents and professionals who have wondered about FASD diagnosis in Ottawa and about adoption and FASD to come to our meetings. Everyone is welcome. No need to register, or say anything or even identify yourself if you don't want to. We meet at CHEO: go through the main door, go down below and follow the signs to a door in the back of the hospital. Bring in your parking slip. We get the parking fee reduced to $3.

Upcoming Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder Group of Ottawa meetings:

“Diagnostic issues in FASD: a chance to ask questions” with Dr. Sarah Nikkel, Genetics, CHEO
April 5, 2011
7 pm
Where: CHEO Research Institute, Room 154 (1st floor)

May 3, 2011
“FASD & Adoption” discussion with public & private adoption professionals
Group facilitated by Elspeth Ross, parent & educator, & Dr. Virginia Bourget, psychologist

Meetings are informal. Bring family members, friends and co-workers!

For more information email rosse@ncf.ca or call 613 737-1122 or 613 446-4144

December 12, 2010 :
Be the Difference: The 3rd Annual TDH Toronto Gala, Saturday March 26, 2011
We cordially invite you to an evening to benefit the children in Vung Tau, Vietnam on Saturday, March 26th 2011. Cocktails at  6:00 in the evening; dinner at 7:00 in the evening at Le Jardin Conference & Event Centre, 8440 Highway 27, Woodbridge, Ontario, 905-851-2200. Special Guests will include Vietnamese delegates, the TDHO Staff and the TDH Board of Directors. The evening will entail a four course meal, deluxe open bar, silent auction, raffle and entertainment. For more details and to reserve tickets visit the TDH Toronto Charity Gala web site.

Sept 11 , 2010
Support TDH at Vankleek Hill's 'Festival of Flavours' Sunday Sept 19, 2010
The Festival of Flavours attracts thousands of people to enjoy their fill of sunshine and, of course, food of all kinds: food to eat on the spot and goodies to take home. The 12th annual edition this year features a 320-foot-long table stretching the length of the town's Main Street. Vankleek Hill is located an hour east of downtown Ottawa and an hour west of Montreal.

Dorinda and the TDH Ontario staff will be preparing some tasty treats to sell at the event, which runs from from 10am to 4pm. For more information on the event visit the Vankleek Hill web site. If you are able to volunteer to help TDH prepare food that morning, please contact Dorinda or Manon.

July 30 , 2010
Photos from the 2010 TDH Charity Gala, Toronto

Event organizer and TDH Fundraising Coordinator Christine Morra speaking from the podium

Stephanie Guillaume in front of the Tree of Life, which she and Renny Duquette created

Dorinda and Brendan Cavanaugh address the guests

July 14 , 2010
TDH Charity Gala for Vung Tau 3 Delivers
by Dorinda Cavanaugh

This year’s gala targeted Vung Tau 3 as the primary recipient of the funds raised. It was my great pleasure to be part of bringing the materials to this orphanage. We spent the morning shopping for TV’s, computers, fridges and dryers, bicycles and riding toys for the younger children. In the afternoon, we were able to deliver the computers, and were present for the delivery and the other major appliances. Unfortunately, despite the 40+ degree heat, there was no electricity, so the pleasure of turning on TV’s and computers had to be postponed to the next day.

At the end of the afternoon, to the delight of all the kids at the orphanage, the bicycles and riding toys arrived. Wonderful chaos ensued as the kids unloaded the bicycles and began to ride around the grounds of the orphanage and the surrounding streets. The little ones got on the riding toys in two’s and three’s, and the sounds of races and squeals of laugher could be heard in every corner. Great fun! See more photos at: http://tdhgalaauction2010.blogspot.com/

The training courses for the nannies began on the following Saturday, and will continue on a regular basis during the next months.

The last part of the funding is in reserve for the remodeling of the baby washing area. We are looking for some idea as to how best reconstruct this area – with a sink and dressing/changing area, cupboards for clothes, diapers, and towels, appropriate lighting, and perhaps an area for preparation of bottles. If you are an architect or designer or have any talents in this area, we would greatly appreciate your input.

June 3, 2010
Call for Volunteers in the Ottawa Area
Following the success of February's 'A Concert with Heart', TDH Ontario is planning to host a fundraising event in the Ottawa area each year. We would also like to initiate a variety of family-oriented social events, such as picnics, a Halloween party, a Tet celebration and the like.

These events are largely driven by volunteers. We are so grateful to TDH for the children they have brought into our lives and by volunteering we hope to give something back to the organization. We have a core fundraising committee and are looking for others to join us. We'd love to hear your ideas!

The skills we are looking for include:
- Writing (English and/or French)
- Experience in organizing fundraising events
- Marketing skills
- Graphic design skills
- Contacts with businesses
- Management skills
- Creative, imaginative
- Simply willing to help out!

By donating your time, whether an hour here or there or more, as you can, you receive so much in return!
-Meet other prospective and adoptive parents who understand and have experienced the joys and issues of adoption and parenting such as attachment, bonding, and retaining cultural contact. For example, through this group a new parent found a great daycare attended by another TDH adopted child.
- Acquire new skills
- Occupy yourself fruitfully while waiting for your adoption to be completed
- Help build a TDH family of families -- a great support network for all of us!

Volunteers Marlene Alt and Sandra Bellemare will be at Sandbanks for theTDH picnic on June 6. If you are interested in learning how you might be able to contribute, feel free to introduce yourself there or drop a line to Sandra (sandraDOTbellemareATgmailDOTcom).

April 3, 2010
An online auction will enable everyone to support TDH and the Vung Tau 3 orphanage
The silent auction that will take place at the gala itself is now also accessible online. There are two categories of items you can bid on: items for your own personal use and items that will be donationed to the orphanage. If you are not attending the gala you can bid online and TDH staff will enter your maximum bid for you that night. For all the details, a full list of items (Blue Jay tickets! Raptor tickets! a ski getaway!) and to start bidding, visit tdhgalaauction2010.blogspot.com.

April 1, 2010
TDH is offering a "Summer Vacation in Canada" program for Ukrainian orphans
A group of adoptable older children will travel to Canada this summer to spend four weeks in the homes of prospective 'forever' families. Deadline for applying is May 1, 2010. Please see the Ukraine program page for full details.

March 2 , 2010:
TDH Ontario is moving offices
We are delighted to be relocating to a larger and very pleasant space, just a few blocks from our current location in Vankleek Hill. The new address is:
36 Home Ave.
P.O. Box 963
Vankleek Hill, ON
K0B 1R0
The phone and fax numbers remain the same. Please note that the office will be closed from April 7th and reopen on April 12, to enable us to complete the move. In case of emergencies during this closure please contact TDH Canada in Montreal at 514-937-3325.

March 2 , 2010:
More reasons to attend the 2010 TDH Charity Gala
In addition to the exciting program described below we are delighted to announce that from 5:00 - 6:00 p.m. TDH Director Dorinda Cavanaugh and several other staff members will be speaking in detail about the Vietnam adoption program. They will specifically address some new challenges and answer questions. During the cocktail hour they will be available to talk with individuals one-on-one in the main ballroom.

Invite your friends and family to this elegant and relaxed evening! The program includes a lovely meal, open bar, entertainment, a silent auction and a raffle. The money raised goes to TDH Canada, to support the children left behind, who will never be adopted. Unless a greater need arises in the interim, this year's proceeds will be directed towards the betterment of Vung Tau 3 orphanage.

Date: Friday April 9th, 2010
Where: Le Jardin Conference & Event Centre (Banquet Hall), 8440 Highway 27, Woodbridge, ON
Time: 6:00 pm for cocktails; 7:00 pm for dinner
Tickets: adults $75 before March 9 (includes 4-course meal and deluxe open bar), $85 after March 9. Children's tickets: $55 (4 course meal) or $35 (chicken fingers and french fries) .

For every 10 tickets purchased your name will be entered into a draw to win a private box at the Marlies game of your choice, including 18 tickets and a $200 food voucher.

If you would like to donate an item to the auction or purchase tickets, please contact Christine Morra. Companies donating to the auction will receive a free ad in the TDH newsletter as a thank you. Other donor benefits are available. Christine can provide more information on sponsorships, the event itself and on the benefitting orphanage.

February 24, 2010 :
Report on 'A Concert with Heart', February 13, 2010
This classical music concert, with commentary by Brendan Cavanaugh, welcomed almost 100 guests and raised nearly $2,000 for TDH Canada's projects in Vietnam, Honduras and El Salvador. Special thanks to pianist Amélie Langlois for programming the music (and performing) and to the other musicians who gave so generously of their time and talent: Janice Mah (violin), Kevin James (viola), Carmen Bruno (cello), Angela Casagrande (oboe), and Catherine Donkin (piano). Our gratitude also to guest host Laurence Wall, for his first class contribution to the evening, and to the many sponsors (listed below) who donated products and services to the raffle. A final thank you to all of you who attended!

February 24, 2010 :
Annual Sandbanks Family Picnic, Sunday June 6, 2010
Once again the spectacular Sandbanks Provincial Park will be the site of our TDH Ontario family picnic (located about 3 hours from both Ottawa and Toronto). The picnic will be on Sunday June 6, on sites 31 and 32 and the adjoining beach, in the Outlet River Campground area.

Please bring food for your own family (or to contribute to our pot luck table), beach toys, chairs, sunscreen, hats, swimwear and umbrellas (for shade!) The cost for the picnic is $5.00 per family, payable to TDH Ontario, plus the day use admission fee at Sandbanks, which is payable at the park gate. The event gets underway at 10:30 a.m. and lasts through the afternoon (weather permitting). If you're interested in camping (a number of families are staying for the weekend), visit the Ontario Parks web site to make a reservation or call them at 1-888-668-7275. Please email Manon if you plan to attend or have any questions.

February 2 , 2010:
Tet 2010 Celebrations, the Year of the Tiger
Please note that the proposed TDH Ontario Tet celebration in Kingston (as described in the last newsletter) has been cancelled due to lack of interest. Instead we will be attending the wonderful event hosted in Ottawa, this year at the Bronson Centre (located at Bronson and Somerset) on February 7th, 2010 from 11:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.

The event will feature food kiosks from the three regions of Vietnam, local entertainment from the community, fortune telling, li-xi for children, games and activities.

Tickets are $5 per person, or $12 for a family of 4.

There is also a New Year Concert at 3:00 p.m. featuring Asia and Paris by Night artists - Huong Thuy and Doang Phi. Tickets are only $40!

For information/details related to these events please contact: Tue Huy at CDNVOttawa@gmail.com. For more information about TDH Ontario's attendance please email Manon.

January 28, 2010:
Our thanks to the following sponsors of 'A Concert with Heart' who have donated merchandise that will be assembled into baskets and raffled off at the event. Check back as we add new sponsors regularly!

• Bossarts, "Beauty in Balance", 161 Laurier Ave West (at Elgin), Ottawa
• Bridgehead Coffeehouse, 109 Bank Street (at Albert), Ottawa
• CBC News Ottawa at 5, 5:30 and 6 on CBC Television
• Cyclelogik, "Ottawa's Premier Cycle and Multisport Boutique", 1111a Wellington Street (Westboro), Ottawa
• Gold & Spices, Groupe Convex
• L'Institut Valor, Plantagenet, Ontario
• Mrs. Tiggy Winkle's, 315 Richmond Road (Westboro), Ottawa
• Pacale's All Natural Ice Cream
• Rexall Pharma Plus, 700 March Road (Kanata), Ottawa
• Staples, 8141 Campeau Drive (Kanata), Ontario
• The Piggy Market, 400 Winston Ave (Westboro)
• The WORKS Gourmet Burger Bistro, 580 Bank Street, Ottawa
• Three Wild Women, 263 Richmond Road (Westboro)

January 11, 2010 :

We are delighted to announce that CBC Radio personality Laurence Wall will be the guest host for 'A Concert with Heart' (concert details below). Laurence is well known for his news reports on CBC Radio One weekday afternoons and for his cello playing with Ottawa's community orchestra, Divertimento.

Laurence is always informative and entertaining -- another great reason to attend the concert! Seating is limited so please ensure you reserve your tickets early by contacting the TDH Ontario office at 613-482-6306 or by emailing Manon.