Why people give to Amnesty
Tell us why you support Amnesty International at: whyIgive@amnesty.ca
"Amnesty International was one of the first groups to defend the rights of Ukrainian prisoners of conscience. They were doing this even when most Ukrainian-Canadians were apathetic about their ancestral homeland, and the human rights abuses under the Soviet system. This is my way of saying 'thank you'."
- Orysia Daly, Technical Analyst, Winnipeg, Manitoba
"The injustice that so many of our brothers and sisters around the world experience on a daily basis is overwhelming. Often when overwhelmed, we find it easiest to bury our heads, do nothing and hope that it will go away. Amnesty International provides a strongly united and straight-forward means for fighting for human rights; it allows the contribution towards positive action and change to be within the average Canadian's reach. I am proud to be a supporter of such a determined and caring organization."
-Brenda McMorrow, Musician, London, Ontario
"I support Amnesty because of the strength in numbers. Human rights abusers also have a strength in numbers which is the foundation their power. How dare ANYONE exert their will over another. I support because I must and because I can. I am grateful for my freedom here. A human rights violation against one is a violation against us all."
-Nancy Collett, Human Rights Activist, Toronto
"I give to Amnesty because the power of the human spirit is often astonishing. Amnesty allows it to flourish."
- Erin Hogan
"There is way too much human suffering and oppression in this world, and I think Amnesty International really can make a difference in providing a voice of reason as an advocate of justice and fairness in the treatment of prisoners of conscience in the international political arena, at a time when various governments are trying to silence individuals who are brave enough to speak out against them through torture and unreasonable detention. We need a clear, unequivocal and independent voice to point out to the rest of the world what is happening under these regimes. Please keep up the good work! I hope one day your work won't be needed any more."
-Jee Yan Chu
"Today is International Women's Day, and I can't think of a better occasion on which to write about my reasons for being a member of Amnesty International. I became a member fifteen years ago, when I had fewer commitments in my life than I do now, but I have never lost my enthusiasm for supporting Amnesty in whatever way I can. I write letters regularly in support of Urgent Actions and Medical Network appeals. I value my participation even more now that I have a daughter. She is now old enough (at 8 years) to understand concepts such as mutual respect, justice and fairness. She notices when Mom sits down at the computer to write a letter on behalf of someone halfway across the world who has been imprisoned after an unfair trial; who is being tortured or denied medical treatment in prison; who faces the death penalty; or who has been detained because of their political or religious activities. This often prompts a discussion of how important it is that those of us who enjoy a measure of individual freedom in our societies speak up on behalf of those who don't, and that "bullies," wherever they are, should not be tolerated. I find that being active in Amnesty International provides an important "antidote" to the horrors that appear in the newspapers every day, often in a context of hopelessness. Through my membership in Amnesty, I've learned that organized activism can achieve remarkable results, and that there is hope for us yet."
- Terri Betts, mom and hospital pharmacist, North Vancouver, B.C.
"Being fortunate to live in Canada, a country that values human life and upholds the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, I feel it is both a privilege and an obligation to speak out for those less fortunate, who are unable to do so for themselves."
- Wende Bedirian, Registered Nurse, Kitchener Ontario
" . . . there really is no option, is there. It is a human imperative -- something that requires no decision. I simply cannot ignore the reality of torture and abuse of the spirit."
- Julismi
"I have worked for Canadian politicians in Government and in Opposition, and marvel that our system provides a salary and resources to people actively working to defeat the Government. I never forget that in many parts of the world I would be shot for doing what I do for a living. My coming of age coincided with the junta in Chile and it remains for me a chilling example of how quickly democratic institutions can be swept away. Supporting Amnesty is like taking out insurance against tyranny."
- JL, grateful supporter
"The first time I learnt about the wonderful activities of AI was through a special speaker in a morning assembly in my school several years ago. As a high school student, I often feel frustrated about people's illusion of young people's indifference towards serious topics in our society, and I felt that AI is a perfect way to get active in my community. Several months ago, I started a local AI chapter with my friends, and we find that AI is indeed a great way to learn more about the world. Young people care too, perhaps even more so than adults, but sometimes they just need a bit of guidance."
-Simon Tang, Richmond, BC
"I believe kindness is the highest form of intelligence. If the human race wishes to make a better world to live in then the path of compassion is the way to go."
- Cameron Ansorger, student, Calgary, Alberta
"I give to Amnesty International to share my good fortune. Let me explain. I'm not financially wealthy but I am, as a citizen of Canada, rich in human rights. I wake up every day without fear of being persecuted, tortured, or wrongfully imprisoned for my beliefs or actions. Everyone should wake up that way--without fear."
- Kelle E. Dunlop, LaSalle, Quebec
"I support Amnesty because I believe that it is of utmost importance that we all participate in whatever way we can in the fight to improve our global community. It is too easy today to remain detached and unaffected by the suffering of others and Amnesty helps keep us tapped in.
Thank you Amnesty!"
- Sarah Freund
"I was liberated as a 2-year old from an occupied country. Although my family and I were not 'tortured or in prison, we were on the way to starvation. We were helped. I grew up with stories of suffering, prejudice, misuse of power and the rescue by individuals and countries that cared. I am 58 now, and more grateful every yearfor having been liberated, and more aware of my luck in life and my potential to assist others.
Amnesty International magnifies the power of the individual, it unites and multiplies our little personal contributions. Thank you, Amnesty International."
- R. Jonkman
"I support the human rights work of Amnesty International because I have always abhorred violence and cruelty. I believe that our freedom to be ourselves is the most valuable gift that God has given us. I am further inspired by the words of Aung San Suu Kyi who has said, "Please use your freedom to fight for ours."
- E Borhi, Housewife, Montreal
"Alone I am a voice in the wilderness...with AI I am part of the chorus of humanity."
- Madeline Maley, Port Alberni , BC
"I give to Amnesty for the simple reason that I do not want to forget those people who are locked away, who are hurting, who are in danger. I read Terry Waite's biography which illustrated his years of solitary confinement in Iran. During his time there, he received one postcard from an Amnesty International Member who wrote him 4 words "You are not forgotten". That is how I want to demonstrate my love for humanity and goodness in society."
- Tara Schmidt
By joining Amnesty I'm hoping to make a difference in the lives of people who don't have the luxury of choosing whether or not to be involved."
There's a world of difference between truth and facts. Facts can obscure truth.
- Maya Angelou
- Angéline Anthony, Teacher, Kuwait
"I support amnesty because I realize that I am blessed in Canada, and otherwise it could be me in one of those unjust situations. It is my duty to minister in some way to those who need help. It is important to be thankful , and we can express this thankfulness by supporting someone who has little to be thankful for."
- Jane Jacobson
"Our collective work in Amnesty helps protect people, widening the circle of light in which justice shines."
- Ken O'Brien, city planner, St. John's, Newfoundland
"Canadians are blessed to live in a country where the democratic rights of its people are considered sacred. No country has a perfect record, but Canada is better than most. I believe it is my responsibility and duty to ensure that others have the same freedoms and human rights. Amnesty International provides a forum where my single voice can be joined with many others to be more effective."
- A. Gagne, Pincourt, Quebec
"To do what we can to correct injustice."
-Tom and Julie Collings, Anglican Priests,
Weyburn, Saskatchewan
"Because I wish to actively demonstrate my commitment to human rights. I can't tell you the joy I felt when one of the death penalty UAs I was working on was commuted. My life seemed to increase in meaning and value."
-Natasha Klukach, Graduate student
University of Toronto
"Because I want to do something to help people live as happily as I do."
-Anna Pellissier, Tottenham, Ontario
"I support Amnesty because it is a worthwhile organization that fights for what is right."
-Katie Hayes, High School Student
"As a practitioner of Falun Gong who has benefitted tremendously from the practice over the last couple of years, I want to thank you very very sincerely for your continued efforts on behalf of those persecuted in China. The pressure you exert on the Chinese government and media is extremely helpful in constantly reminding the world that we have a long way to go to give global citizens very basic human rights."
- Susan Mitchell, Falun Gong Practitioner in Toronto, Canada
"Safeguarding of Human Rights is a value and I feel it vital. Amnesty International donations are a small way that I can make changes."
-Catherine Damji, Guelph
"Everyone should be free to speak their beliefs, and practice them peacefully."
-P. Martin, NB, Computer Security Administrator
"I truly believe that Amnesty International helps people to help themselves, and make the world a better place to live in, by bringing moral pressure against violations of human rights."
- Noel Vethanayagam, Toronto
"I believe in its work and its integrity as an organization and want to be involved."
Catherine Anderson, Social Worker, Nelson, B.C.
"After witnessing horrors in Togo, West Africa, I wanted to make a difference. That's why I joined Amnesty. Now, when I speak as a member of Amnesty International, I can be pretty sure that my voice is being heard."
- Anu Rao, Amnesty International Canada volunteer activist
"It is easy to feel overwhelmed by all the injustice in the world. Alone, we find it almost impossible to prevent evil. But by working together we can stop human rights abuses. We can make the world a better place."
-Sarah Mohan, student activist with Amnesty International Canada
"Amnesty International provides an early warning system, by alerting the world to abuse and oppression. Amnesty empowers all of us to create a peaceful world."
-Ken Agar-Newman, activist with Amnesty International Canada
"I used to feel overwhelmed by the injustices faced by ordinary people. Amnesty International enables me to play a small part in returning power, providing protection, and giving a voice to people who are being silenced. I feel less helpless now in the face of those who would crush the human spirit."
-Janet Kilgannon, Amnesty International's Labour Outreach Program
"People in many countries are attacked and sometimes killed for peacefully defending their basic human rights. Amnesty International empowers me to speak out for these people when they most need our support."
-Cyril Weeratunge, Amnesty member, Quesnel, BC
"It gives me the feeling that I can reach out and help in some way - it is the right thing to do."
-Ann Morrison, Halifax
Owner, "Let's Go! Dog Walking"
"I believe in working towards a global community
based on a commitment to diversity."
-Kyla Epstein, Toronto
"To give a voice to those who cannot help themselves due to oppression."
-J.M., Winnipeg, Senior Executive
"I believe in what AI does and want to fight ignorance and oppression in any way I can."
-Debbie McGuire, Educator
"Too important not to."
-Brian Sullivan, Sept-Iles, Quebec