News/Publications
Announcements
June 2009
CESO | SACO Celebrates National Aboriginal Day
June 21 is National Aboriginal Day, a time to recognize all the many cultural contributions of the First Nations, Inuit and Métis peoples in Canada. Since 1996 Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal people from across the country have celebrated this important day by coming together to share traditional food, song, stories and dance. It is a day of fun and celebration.
At CESO, we recognize the value and dedication of our Aboriginal volunteers and staff who work all year long to strengthen communities, organizations and businesses by providing high quality programs and services to Aboriginal people from coast to coast.
CESO Aboriginal Services delivered 581capacity development assignments in the last year. We have also played an important role in assisting women in both on and off reserve communities by delivering our ‘Aboriginal Women for Tomorrow Program’. This program of culturally specific workshops empowers women by providing leadership training, teaching entrepreneurial skills and financial management. Over 900 women participated in the training last year alone. By building on the richness of Aboriginal cultures, CESO volunteers helped to improve governance practices and enhance their economic development.
Our strength as on organization comes from remarkable people who share their knowledge and cultural diversity and who work relentlessly to make Canada a better place for all.
CESO joins the many Aboriginal organizations that have planned celebrations to mark National Aboriginal Day by hosting its own event for staff and local volunteers.
I invite you to take part in the many cultural events hosted by Aboriginal organizations across Canada. A list of scheduled regional events may be found at: http://www.ainc-inac.gc.ca/nad/index-eng.asp
Sincerely,
Bob Dickson
Vice-President National Services
Message from the President
March 26, 2009
CESO mourns the loss of a founding member
CESO is saddened by the passing of one of its founding members, John McLean Magwood. Dr. Magwood passed away on March 24, 2009 at the age of 97.
In 1966, Maurice Strong became head of External Aid. He sought to make more effective use of Canada’s aid dollars and to involve more ordinary Canadians in the worldwide struggle against poverty. Mr. Strong set up a non-governmental division in his office and asked his friend Dr. Magwood, a Toronto lawyer, to explore ways of encouraging companies to release managers and professionals for short-term assignments in developing nations.
The next year, CESO was founded to promote and assist the economic and social growth and well-being of the peoples of the world. In 1969, CESO Aboriginal Services was launched to match the volunteers with the needs of its clients and partners–Aboriginal people, businesses and communities seeking greater self-sufficiency and growth.
After helping to found the organization, Dr. Magwood served on the CESO Board as Chair from 1977 to 1986.
Born on August 26th 1912, Dr. Magwood lived a long and full life as a student, lawyer, skier, sailor, rider, and leader. He was a founding partner of Magwood Frith and Pocock and its successor firms, practicing law with various partners for 45 years. In addition to CESO, Dr. Magwood served on the Board of The Toronto Symphony, Board of Trustees and Chairman of Stewards of Lawrence Park Community Church.
CESO Board members, staff and volunteers remember Dr. Magwood’s important contribution to the organization and extend heartfelt condolences to his family and friends at this difficult time.
Donald Johnston
CESO President & CEO
Global Citizens for Change
(November 4, 2008) - Visit the Global Citizens for Change website at www.globalcitizensforchange.org.
The Global Citizens for Change is a joint outreach and public engagement initiative of a coalition of Canada’s nine leading volunteer cooperation agencies. Together, CESO and the other agencies, have created a virtual community, where you may create a profile and provide a voice for the people with whom you have served as a volunteer, here or abroad. As well, on the site, you’ll be able to meet other volunteers and share your stories.
For more information, please contact Public Engagement Officer Alex Gillis at agillis@ceso-saco.com.
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