March 7th to 13th marks International Women’s Week (IWW), a week IDRF is proud to support in order to recognize the achievements and struggles of women in Canada and around the world. International Women’s Day (IWD), traditionally celebrated on March 8th, commemorates the economic, political and social achievements of women in the past, present and future. Women have marked this day since the 20th century to highlight their solidarity in the fight for equal rights. Today, many nations across the world celebrate IWD and even mark this day as an official holiday.

In the past century, women have made great strides particularly in developing countries. More women have entered the professional work force, have a right to vote, and have political and economical autonomy. Nonetheless, despite what some may think, women around the world have not yet won the battle for equality. Many women, especially in third world countries, still fight for the right to vote, for the right to be recognized as persons, for a right to equal pay, and for the right to attain political and economic freedom.

The latest figures emerging from Chile record the number of deaths to be nearly 800. While the figure is almost 500 times lower than the one for Haiti, Chile’s situation should not be taken lightly.

About two million Chileans are believed to have been affected by Saturday's earthquake, the seventh most powerful on record and the worst disaster to befall Chile in 50 years.

Half a million people are still homeless in Chile where about 1.5 million homes have been damaged. Help is needed as the devastation has been worse than expected and reports confirm that many of the city's 500,000 inhabitants are short of food and have seen their water and electricity supplies cut off. Media reports state that rescue efforts have been slow also because of a mangled infrastructure as highways have been sliced in two and road bridges have collapsed.

IDRF is proud to announce that the Hoops for Haiti event, held on Sunday, February 28th, 2010 at Lincoln Alexander Secondary School, was a great success! The event raised over $6,000 for the survivors of the Haiti earthquake. Overall, 19 teams registered and 19 sponsors supported the event. Many volunteers and supporters also attended to show their support and to make the event a success.

IDRF would like to thank the event organizers, specifically Haider Abdullah and Uzma Kapadya, as well as all the players, volunteers, supporters and sponsors. Your willingness to help those less fortunate demonstrates the true meaning of “People Helping People.”

Mardan, Pakistan

The war against terrorism reached its peak last year when the military began its operations in the Swat region of Pakistan. Every day brought news of death and suffering. Besides those who were killed or injured, there were those four million who had left their homes in search of a shelter. Some settled in refugee camps set up by governmental and non-governmental organizations. A few rented houses in other cities. But initially, many had to spend their life in open grounds until help arrived.