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I want to thank the Tigard Rotary Foundation for its generous support of CFP (Creating Friendships for Peace, formerly the Cyprus Friendship Program).  For those who are unfamiliar with this cause, Cyprus was torn in half by a civil war in 1974 that has resulted in the longest peacekeeping mission in United Nations history.  For 30 years the border between north and south was sealed, with no passage between the two sides allowed for non-UN personnel.  Political progress towards resolution of the conflict has been slow, due in no small part to the pain that war caused that is still felt by the adult population who experienced it. 

CFP’s mission is to approach the problem from another direction because the children born since the conflict have no direct memory of it.  The CFP bring teens from the two sides together in the hope of fostering friendships that can overcome the prejudices of their elders.  The crown jewel of the program is bringing the best and the brightest to America where, removed from their native environment, they can and do form bonds that transcend 40 years of division. 

CFP has also grown by leaps & bounds in Cyprus and over 170 kids applied to the 2019 program. Two days of interviews resulted in the selection of 40 teens who will come to America this summer, starting in the DC area where they will spend a week at a peace building camp in Annapolis before flying on to their host families in New Hampshire, Maryland, San Francisco, Oregon, SW Washington, and Maui for three weeks of pair-bonding, public service and additional peace building training.

The expanded program has resulted in more financial pressures.  All CFP personnel are volunteers and 100% of the budget goes towards program expenses.  The largest expense is airfare for the participating teens.  Tickets for the teens must be purchased by May 1 and funding is $20,000 short of what is needed to transport the teens from Cyprus to America and back. In addition to the Tigard Rotary Foundation’s support, an individual member of Tigard Rotary Club has given $5,000 and challenges fellow Rotarians to contribute in any amount they feel appropriate.  

The need is great and the time is short.  Both CFP and the Tigard Rotary Foundation are qualifying 501(c)(3) charities and tax-deducible donations can be made either through the Tigard Foundation or directly to CFP; given the time constraint we are requesting donations be made directly to CFP.  All gifts of any denomination will be very much appreciated and used to assist with furthering the peace process in Cyprus.  

Melody Stone is the Area Coordinator for CFP.

Anyone wishing to donate directly to CFP can send a check to Creating Friendships for Peace, PO Box 981, Wolfeboro, NH 03894-0981.