Appeal for donations to a fundraising silent auction

Dear allies and friends, CAIA is appealing to all its supporters for donations of items appropriate for a fundraising silent auction. The auction will take place at the Cervejaria Lounge on College Street on Wednesday, August 6 as part of a larger fundraising event.This past year has been a busy one for CAIA and we have made some important gains. The movement for boycott divestment and sanctions (BDS) against Israeli Apartheid is growing. Important highlights include: our most successful Israeli Apartheid Week ever with over 2,000 attending meetings on three Toronto university campuses along with similar events held in 25 other cities around the world; two day-long educational meetings of HAIA (Highschools Against Israeli Apartheid); a fundraiser in support of the Ardoch Algonquin First Nation; a month of activities to commemorate 60 years of Al Nakba, culminating in a 1000-strong rally, march and fair on May 10; the launch of an academic boycott of Israel campaign; the continuation of our campaign to boycott Chapters-Indigo; and our first Labour for Palestine conference for trade unionists.Our successes so far have also presented new challenges and this coming year promises to be another busy one for CAIA and the BDS campaign. Over the summer, we are focussing on producing more basic educational materials. This fall we need to launch a serious defence against the backlash at York University against Palestine solidarity activities. And, we need to continue building our work in all the areas mentioned as well as taking on some new initiatives -- for example, building support in the lesbian, gay, bisexual and trans communities. All this costs money -- for printing and photocopying, for renting venues, for banners and posters, for travel, and much more. CAIA has no source of income other than through the support of our members and allies. Our expenses over this past year have left our resources seriously depleted. And more funds are urgently needed to produce new materials and to take on the challenges that face us in the upcoming year.So please donate an item or several items to our silent auction fundraiser. Some items will also be designated for a raffle on the same day. To donate, contact us at endapartheid@riseup.net and one of us will arrange to pick up your donation. Be sure to mark your calendar for August 6 to attend a very exciting and fun fundraiser. With much thanks and in solidaritySandra and Nataliefor the CAIA summer fundraiser organizing committee