World’s Collide draws attention to Malaria

June 23, 2009

Heather Haynes recently displayed her World’s Collide Exhibit at the Firehall Theatre in Gananoque. Left to right: Gord Brown, MP; Whitney Montgomery; Heather Haynes, Debra Lefebvre.

Sunday, June 23, 2009 – Member of Parliament for Leeds-Grenville, Gord Brown, was on hand at the Firehall Theatre in Gananoque today to help support Gananoque area artist Heather Haynes in her efforts to raise awareness about malaria.

Malaria kills up to three million people each year in Africa including one child every 30 seconds.

It can be prevented with a $6 insecticide treated bed net.

In 2004, Kingston resident Debra Lefebvre began the Buy-A-Net program and developed World Malaria Day. She was honored as Kingston’s Citizen of the Year this year.

Recently Ms. Haynes traveled to Africa with her 11-year-old son Whitney Montgomery to witness the work that is on-going in preventing malaria. Before they left, Whitney raised $14,000 to purchase nets for distribution.

Upon their return, Ms. Haynes painted the World’s Collide exhibit. It is being used to help create awareness.

On April 22, two days before World Malaria Day, Mr. Brown delivered a speech in the House of Commons marking the date and the exhibition.

For more information visit www.buyanet.ca.