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Sep 30, 2005

Not Waiting for a Miracle

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USC Canada Celebrates its 60th Anniversary

September 2005

Although much as changed in 60 years, the drive and determination of USC staff and volunteers have never wavered, says Walsh. “Canadians can be proud of the work they’ve supported through USC, in giving people the tools to improve their lives – helping farmers conserve local knowledge, providing life skills education to adolescent girls,” says Walsh. “But Canada and Canadians need to do more. The gap between rich and poor is greater today than in 1945 when we began our work. The structures that create social injustice and poverty still exist today, and we have to work together to change them.”

Today, USC Canada is recognized as a leading international development organization, particularly in the field of sustainable agriculture. To mark that achievement, and to celebrate its 60th birthday, USC organized two public events in September.

An Evening with Bruce Cockburn and David Suzuki

This evening of dialogue and song paired renowned Canadians Singer-songwriter Bruce Cockburn with celebrated environmentalist and broadcaster David Suzuki. Both are well-known advocates for social justice. “Their message is always inspiring, and their performances helped us reaffirm our commitment to social justice and development with dignity,” says Walsh. “And seeing them perform on the same stage was a real treat.”

After an introduction by the CBC’s Bob Carty, who graciously hosted the event, Cockburn performed a dozen songs from his repertoire – including some of his greatest hits, and selections from his new album Speechless. His performance drew a standing ovation from the sold out crowd of more than 1,000, and he ended with an encore of his hit Waiting for a Miracle.

Pamela McRae, USC Canada’s former Director of Canadian Programs, offered her congratulations. She said, “I had not heard Bruce Cockburn for many years, and like his mature style even better. I had never been to a lecture by Suzuki (before this) and found him electrifying.”

“I’ve seen with my own eyes how, with USC’s help, people are improving their own lives, building strong, healthy communities.” – Bruce Cockburn

Suzuki made a presentation that stressed the urgency for more harmony between humans and the environment, in order to avoid the catastrophic impact of environmental degradation on the planet. His lecture also had the crowd on their feet and both he and Cockburn took questions from the audience. Download a PDF transcript of David Suzuki’s Presentation.

Both of these Canadian icons share a connection with the work of USC Canada. David Suzuki is an Award winning scientist and broadcaster. USC shares his commitment to environmental issues, which have, for decades, driven much of the organization’s work – particularly in Africa where USC’s Seeds of Survival™ program fights desertification and promotes conservation of biodiversity.

“We cannot afford to be complacent about the rapid deterioration of our environment. If we don’t take decisive action to change our consumption patterns soon, we risk losing our planet.” – David Suzuki

Cockburn has been USC Canada’s spokesperson for many years. “My family supported the work of Dr. Lotta Hitschmanova (USC’s Founder), because we believed that every individual could make a difference,” says Cockburn adding “I’ve seen with my own eyes how, with USC’s help, people are improving their own lives, building strong, healthy communities.”

USC is grateful to both Suzuki and Cockburn for donating their time and talents. The success of this show helped raise awareness of the issues that connect people North and South, as well as the work of USC

56 Sparks Street Festival

USC organized a second 60th anniversary event in Ottawa – this time a free concert outside our headquarters on Sparks Street. Juno award-winning Canadian folk artist James Keelaghan performed a free outdoor show on September 21st as part of a full afternoon of music on Sparks Street outside USC Canada’s headquarters.

Like Cockburn, Keelaghan has a history with USC. He won an award for the music he composed for a documentary on USC’s Seeds of Survival program. He says he was happy to help because he views USC as “the quintessential Canadian organization,” adding, “USC doesn’t go into another country and start telling people what to do. It sets up programs that are run by people in the country. It’s how they’ve helped thousands of communities make better lives for themselves.”

USC is grateful to Keelaghan and all the performers for donating their time to help us celebrate. Akpokli Drum and Dance Troupe kicked off the street party at noon with some wonderful and energetic Ghanaian drumming. They were followed by the Afro-reggae rhythms of Roots. Audiences were then treated to Lee Hayes’s fabulous vocal stylings, followed by a wonderful performance of Andalusian-inspired guitar music from the Mel M’rabet Trio. Keelaghan brought the concert to a close with a set of some of his best-loved songs.

Between acts, USC staff visiting from Mali and Indonesia spoke briefly about the work USC is doing in those countries. Member of Parliament Mauril Bélanger – Minister for Internal Trade and the Deputy Leader of the Government – also spoke at the event, congratulating USC on its important work and achievements.

The location of the concert was also important since 56 Sparks has such historical significance. Walsh says, “We’re the second best-known address in Canada. We became a household name across the country because of Dr. Lotta – for years the voice of USC on radio and television as she appealed to Canadians to help people in the developing world.”

Walsh says, “Both these events helped give people a chance to learn about international development and how they can get involved. At the same time, audiences were entertained with great music.”