Procedure

June:
Write initial letters to priests, pastors, reverends, sisters, pères, pasteurs, M. l’abbé, soeurs

End of August:
Write letter requesting participation and send posters to Ottawa-area churches and convents.  Send PSA to Christian Current (local Christian monthly newspaper)

Early September:
Send notification to “Friday Fax” (Catholic weekly fax) and PSA to Catholic Register (weekly newspaper) and CHRI-FM Christian radio station
Send fax advising the Chief of Police about Life Chain
Advise LifeSite news (national website for Campaign Life Coalition www.lifesite.net) of any information they may need for their Life Chain page

Mid-September:
Call Life Chain captains and confirm their participation

Last week of September:
Put together material for Life Chain captains – signs, clip board, attendance sheet, CLC (Campaign Life Coalition) brochures and any other significant information
Contact churches with a reminder via email or fax
Contact media

After Life Chain:
Do up a brief report.
Respond to Royce Dunn about Ottawa numbers and next year’s participation

Initial letter to Churches sent on our letterhead with date adjustment each year

June 15, 2006

Dear Reverend,

Surveys have shown that the rights of the unborn is an issue that concerns many Canadians, and yet Canada has no law concerning abortion.  

Just recently a member of parliament, Leon Benoit, raised the issue of having a law to protect victims of violence in the womb, thus acknowledging that when a pregnant woman and her unborn baby are killed, two lives are lost.  

From the time of conception/fertilization, all the chromosomes needed to form a complete human being are present.  The child in the womb is a human life; not just a blob of tissue. Our location does not determine our personhood, nor does our age.  We are human at conception, during childhood, in our teens, in adulthood and as seniors.  At no time during our developmental stages are we any less human.  The termination of a pregnancy does abort a human life.

Our efforts at Campaign Life Coalition go on to bring these important facts to the general public and our governments by holding the annual Life Chain on the first Sunday in October. As always, people will be asked to gather at major intersections in the Ottawa area and silently and prayerfully hold a sign promoting a respect for life.  

Please support this effort.  It is an event which takes place simultaneously across the North American continent.  To see how we are connected check the website: www.lifechain.net 

Thank you for all the support you give us at Campaign Life Coalition.  We believe that when we do God’s will, we do not always see immediate results, but our efforts are not wasted.  We cannot give up.  Individually we are one small voice, but collectively we can make a change in our country.  Without the right to life, we have no rights at all.  

Please keep Life Chain in your prayers over the next few months.  I will be back in touch with you at the end of the summer with further details about this year’s Life Chain (October 1, 2006).  God bless you and may you have a restful summer.   

Yours for Life

Wanda Hartlin
Communications Coordinator
Campaign Life Coalition, Ottawa

15 juin, 2006

Cher Pasteur,

Notre défi demeure de faire reconnaître la valeur humaine de l’enfant à naître. Même si ce thème continue de préoccuper un grand nombre de Canadiens et Canadiennes, notre gouvernement choisi de rester silencieux –refusant de légiférer des lois concernant l’avortement. Tout récemment, le député Leon Benoît, a proposé un projet de loi qui viserait à donner des droits à l’enfant à naître afin de le protéger contre la violence.  Une loi qui attesterait au faite que le décès d’une femme enceinte produit la perte de deux vies et non seulement une. Hélas cette noble tentative fut ignorée par notre gouvernement et passée sous silence.

C’est la raison pour laquelle nous devons adhérer fermement à la valeur humaine que possède l’enfant à naître. Ce n’est pas selon un stade du développement humain que nous pouvons juger la valeur de l’existence humaine. La valeur de la vie doit être reconnue pendant toute notre vie –ceci inclus le moment de notre conception jusqu'à notre mort naturelle! L’avortement indéniablement ne peut être une option.

Nos efforts de propager ce message de vie continue. Pour informer le publique de ces faits, nous organisons chaque année ‘La Chaîne pour la Vie’ le premier dimanche du mois d’octobre; cette année, l’événement aura donc lieu le 1er octobre. Comme d’habitude, nous demanderons aux gens de se regrouper aux intersections principales de la région d’Ottawa et de tenir des pancartes promouvant le respect de la vie silencieusement et dans le recueillement.

Nous vous demandons de bien vouloir appuyer cet événement qui aura lieu simultanément d’un bout à l’autre du continent nord-américain. Veuillez consulter notre site web pour plus de renseignements www.lifechain.net.

Nous vous remercions de toute l’aide que vous apportez à la Coalition Campagne Vie. Nous croyons que lorsque nous accomplissions la volonté de Dieu, nos efforts ne se font pas en vain bien que les résultats ne soient pas toujours immédiats. Nous ne pouvons abandonner la lutte. C’est en joignant nos forces que nous pourrons changer notre pays! Si nous n’avons pas le droit à la vie, nous n’avons en fait aucun droit.

Veuillez avoir l’obligeance de prier, au cours des prochains mois, pour que la Chaîne pour la Vie se déroule bien. Je vous contacterai de nouveau à la fin de l’été et je vous demanderai dès lors de bien vouloir annoncer la tenue de cet événement et d’afficher des renseignements à ce sujet. Que Dieu vous bénisse. Je vous souhaite un été le plus agréable.

Respectueusement vôtre ‘pour la vie’

Wanda Hartlin
Coordonnatrice des communications
Coalition Campagne Vie

Follow up letter sent to pastors with date adjustment each year

September 7, 2005

Dear Reverend:

To follow up with my earlier letter, LIFE CHAIN, will be taking place on Sunday, October 2nd.  As always, it is a peaceful and prayerful vigil in defense of the life of the unborn.  Please encourage your congregation to actively participate in this public proclamation of belief in the sanctity of human life.

This year we are meeting at nine key locations.  LIFE CHAIN succeeds when as many people as possible see witnesses for protection of the innocent and helpless unborn, and we feel these areas give us good visibility. If the location we have suggested is too far or inconvenient for your church, consider having a separate LIFE CHAIN near the church.  

We ask you to give LIFE CHAIN your whole-hearted support and to join your congregation on Sunday, October 2nd for one hour from 2 to 3 p.m.  People across the country will be uniting in this effort.  In previous years, as many as 25,000 Canadians have taken part in this annual event.  Please encourage your congregation to participate by making an announcement from the pulpit and in the church bulletin on the weekends of September 24 / 25 and October 1 / 2 (the day of LIFE CHAIN) and by displaying the enclosed posters in a prominent place.  Suggested announcements are enclosed.

We most humbly request that you do your best to attend LIFE CHAIN yourself.  Experience has shown that when church leaders enthusiastically announce their participation, the reticence of the congregation quickly evaporates and the number of participants, comfortable in the fellowship of their own church leaders, greatly increases.

Thank you very much for your help and cooperation in these endeavours.

For LIFE CHAIN 2005 the location nearest you is:

March Road at Dunrobin            
________________________________________________________________________

Yours sincerely

(Mrs.) Wanda Hartlin
Communications Coordinator 
Campaign Life Coalition, Ottawa

Ottawa, le 7 septembre 2005

Cher pasteur,

Par la présente, nous invitons les membres de votre paroisse à s'associer à la Coalition nationale pour la Vie, en participant a la «CHAÎNE DE LA VIE» annuelle.

La «CHAÎNE DE LA VIE» est une vigile paisible qui se tient en vue de défendre le droit à la vie des enfants à naître. Il s'agit d'un témoignage concret de notre foi chrétienne proclamant le caractère sacré de la vie.

Neuf endroits stratégiques ont été choisis comme sites de la «CHAÎNE DE LA VIE», à cause du nombre de passants qui s'y trouve. En effet, la «CHAÎNE DE LA VIE» est réussie lorsqu'un grand nombre de personnes se rendent compte qu'elle a lieu et nous croyons que les neuf points choisis répondent bien à cet objectif. Toutefois, si le site suggéré ne convient pas à votre paroisse vous pouvez toujours organiser votre manifestation dans le voisinage de votre église.

On espère que vous apporterez votre appui personnel à la «CHAÎNE DE LA VIE» en accompagnant les membres de votre paroisse le 2 OCTOBRE prochain pendant une heure, de 14H00 à 15H00. Nous comptons sur la collaboration de tous les chrétiens et chrétiennes et nous vous serions très reconnaissant d'annoncer la «CHAÎNE DE LA VIE» au prône le jour même de la vigile ainsi que la semaine précédente. Vous êtes prié de placer les affiches ci-jointes dans un endroit bien en vue. Tous et toutes sont invités à participer et sont attendus en grand nombre, puisque toutes les paroisses de la région d'Ottawa-Gatineau ont été invitées à participer.

Nous vous saurions gré d'accorder votre participation personnelle à la «CHAÎNE DE LA VIE». En effet, l'expérience des années passées indique que la participation annoncée des pasteurs à la Chaîne, incite les membres de la paroisse à y prendre part en plus grand nombre. En effet, paroissiens et paroissiennes sont stimulés par la présence de leur pasteur.

Merci de nous aider en collaborant à cet effort pour la vie.

Les organisateurs de la «CHAÎNE DE LA VIE 2005» ont assigné le site suivant comme point de ralliement de votre paroisse:

 Hôpital d’Ottawa, campus Civic, avenue Carling

Votre toute dévouée,
La Coordonnatrice des Communications de la Coalition nationale pour la Vie.

(Mme) Wanda Hartlin

Letter to the Chief of Police with date adjustment each year

September 13, 2005

Dear Chief Bevan:

Every year a pro-life event takes place across North America called “Life Chain”.   This is a peaceful prayerful event, advertised through local churches, in which the Ottawa area has participated for the last fifteen years.  People are asked to gather and silently stand for one hour and hold a pro-life sign.  In previous years there have never been any incidents which warranted police intervention.

The next “Life Chain” will be held in the Ottawa area on Sunday October 2, 2005 from 2 to 3 p.m. at the following locations:   St. Joseph Blvd. at Jeanne D’Arc Blvd., Bank St. at Hunt Club Rd., Montreal Rd. at St. Laurent Blvd., Vanier Parkway at Montreal Rd., Bank St. at Nepean St., Ottawa Hospital - Civic Campus, Carling Ave., Merivale Rd. at Meadowlands Dr., Hazeldean Rd. at Eagleson Rd., March Rd. at Dunrobin Rd.  Some churches may participate on their own property.

If you have any further questions, please feel free to call me at 729-0379.  My working hours are Monday to Thursday, 10 a.m. until 5 p.m. or at home any other time at 831-2515.

Respectfully yours

(Mrs.) Wanda Hartlin
Communications Coordinator
Campaign Life Coalition, Ottawa

PSA sent with date adjustment each year

Campaign Life Coalition is once again organizing Life Chain in the Ottawa area.  I would appreciate it if you would include the following announcement in the next Friday Fax.

With thanks

Wanda Hartlin
Communications Coordinator
Campaign Life Coalition, Ottawa

“LIFE CHAIN is an annual pro-life event that takes place simultaneously at over a thousand locations across North America. People are asked to stand as a silent and prayerful witness to the truth that human life begins at conception.  Local organizer of the event, Campaign Life Coalition, is asking everyone to join Life Chain on Sunday October second, from 2 p.m. to 3 p.m.  Signs are provided.  For locations and more information call Campaign Life Coalition at 729-0379.
 
 Locations include:  St. Joseph at Jeanne D’Arc Blvd. in Orleans, Montreal Rd. at St. Laurent Blvd., Hunt Club Rd. at Bank St., Vanier Parkway at Montreal Rd., Bank at Nepean St., Ottawa Hospital Civic Campus on Carling Ave., Merivale Rd. at Meadowlands Dr., Hazeldean at Eagleson Rd. in Kanata, and March Rd. at Dunrobin.”  

Standard Church announcements with date adjustment every year

LIFE CHAIN

Sample Pulpit Announcement:

On Sunday October 1st, LIFE CHAIN is asking you to join the pro-life movement as a witness that abortion, is in fact, the killing of an innocent life, the snuffing out of the life of a baby growing peacefully in its mother’s womb.  These little ones cannot speak for themselves and so we will stand peacefully and prayerfully to raise awareness of the atrocity of abortion.  Join your friends, family and neighbours as we attempt to protect the vulnerability of those waiting to be born.  Signs are provided.  Meet on Sunday, October 1st from 2 p.m. to 3 p.m. at 
Vanier Parkway at Montreal Road

LIFE CHAIN

Sample Bulletin Announcement:

LIFE CHAIN is taking place this year on Sunday October 1st from 2 p.m. to 3 p.m.  It is a time set aside to remind people of faith of the sanctity of human life, and to confirm factual truth in the minds of people who waver about the humanity of a fetus – abortion is indeed the killing of an unborn child.  Millions of Canadians have had their lives terminated through abortion and the long term effects on their mothers, their families and society are only now coming to light.  
Signs are provided.  Join other pro-life people for one hour on Sunday October 1st at 
Vanier Parkway at Montreal Road

LA CHAÎNE POUR LA VIE

Modèle d’annonce pour votre semainier paroissial :

Cette année la CHAÎNE DE LA VIE  aura lieu DIMANCHE le 1 OCTOBRE de 14H00 jusqu’à 15H00.  Il s’agit d’une heure de recueillement destinée à bien faire comprendre aux gens le caractère sacré de la vie humaine.  Ces petits êtres humains n’ont aucune protection légale que ce soit.  Par l’avortement, le Canada est en train de perdre une grande partie de son avenir, c. à d. ses enfants.  L’avortement a vraiment un impact dévastateur sur notre société.  Des pancartes seront mises à votre disposition.
S.V.P.  Joignez-vous à nous juste pour une heure à
Chemin Merivale, à la Promenade Meadowlands

LA CHAîNE POUR LA VIE

Modèle d’Annonce au Prône :

DIMANCHE le 1 OCTOBRE, vous êtes tous et toutes cordialement invités à participer à la CHAÎNE DE LA VIE organisée par la Coalition nationale pour la vie. Cet événement se veut un témoignage du caractère sacré de la vie humaine et en mettant en évidence que l'avortement constitue le meurtre des enfants dès le sein de leur mère.
Ces petits êtres humains ne jouissent d'aucune protection devant la loi. C'est pour cela que nous vous invitons à venir témoigner et prier pour que l'atrocité de l'avortement prenne fin le plus rapidement possible. Venez donc avec vous amis, votre famille et vos voisins. Nous mettrons des pancartes à votre disposition. 
Accompagnez-nous DIMANCHE LE 1 OCTOBRE, DE 14HOO À 15H00 à 
Chemin Merivale, à la Promenade Meadowlands

Guidelines given to captains with date adjustment each year

Note to Life Chain Captains

Thank you for helping us with the annual Life Chain.  Your help is very much appreciated.  Across Canada and the United States, at over a thousand locations prolife people are gathering to hold a silent memorial and pray for those aborted and those dealing with the issue of abortion.  Each year across Canada, approximately 25,000 people take part in Life Chain and in the Ottawa area at 11 locations about 700 people participated last year. This year we have nine designated locations in the Ottawa area, with Life Chain also taking place at St. Clement’s church in Sandy Hill and St. Margaret Mary’s church in Cumberland and we welcome a new location in Almonte. 

I have notified the Chief of Police about this year’s Life Chain.  I was advised that we do not need a permit, we only need to notify the proper people, so if it happens that the police do stop and ask questions, assure them that the Chief of Police has been advised of our event.  

Usually I drive around the city and try to pass as many Life Chain locations as possible.  This year the captain in my area, Kanata, is unable to be with us so I will be replacing him so I will not do the usual drive around. 

To Begin:  It is a good idea to gather people around the signs at 1:55 PM and say a short opening prayer.  You may use the one on the card, or you own prayer, as you wish.  
In Closing:  At 3 PM wave everyone back to the starting location, collect the signs and have a short closing prayer.  The “Our Father” is good or one of your own choosing. 

Please call me with the number of participants at your location as soon after 3 PM as possible at 613-796-0843 or 613-831-2515.

This is not a fund raising event, but a can is available for free-will offerings.

Some brochures are available for handing out.  You will also be given some Campaign Life Coalition brochures in case of interest.

There is a “Code of Conduct” on the back of most signs, to help participants understand the purpose of Life Chain.  Here are a few suggestions from the organizers:

•	Distance participants; the farther apart people are the more of an impact it has on passers-by. Ten feet apart is suggested.
•	Half of the signs displayed should carry the message, “Abortion Kills Children”
•	Remind people that this is a prayerful, peaceful hour.  

If you need me for any reason during Life Chain, call me on my cell phone at 
613-796-0843.

Code of Conduct for Participants

1. Please pray during the hour. Avoid casual talk and frivolity ( see suggested prayer topics below).

2. Please commit to be peaceful, prayerful and polite in both word and deed. Any misconduct from passer-by should be defused with a smile. Do not argue – the sign proclaims the truth.

3. Stand silently on the sidewalk, facing traffic with your sign.

4. PLEASE DO NOT DISPLAY ANY OTHER SIGNS.

5. WATCH YOU SMALL CHILDREN AT ALL TIMES.

6. Please do not block traffic, pedestrians, doorways, driveways or intersections.

Suggested Prayer Topics
•	For the conversion of abortionists and all other abortion workers
•	For the healing of women suffering from abortion
•	For the forgotten fathers of aborted children
•	For strong pro-life witness from all churches
•	For truthful reporting in the media
•	For financial support for pro-life organizations
•	For the support services which aid pregnant women in distress
•	For the election of pro-life Members of Parliament
•	For a law to protect human life from conception to natural death

A French translation is taped on the back of French signs.

Distributed signs read:

Abortion Kills Children
Abortion Hurts Women
Adoption the Loving Option
Jesus Heal and Forgive our Land
L’avortement tues les enfants

Media releases sent with date adjustment each year

Media Advisory

September 27, 2005

Contact:	Wanda Hartlin 729-0379 (office) or 831-2515 (home) 796-0843 (cell)
	Communications Coordinator

Annual Life Chain 2005

Who:	Campaign Life Coalition

What:	Annual LIFE CHAIN

When:	Sunday, October 2, 2005 from 2 p.m. to 3 p.m.

Where:	nine key locations which include:
	
	St. Joseph at Jeanne D’Arc Blvd. in Orleans
	Montreal Rd. at St. Laurent Blvd.
	Vanier Parkway at Montreal Rd.
	Hunt Club Rd. at Bank St.
	Bank St. at Nepean St.
	Ottawa Hospital Civic Campus on Carling Ave.
	Merivale Rd. at Meadowlands Dr.
	Hazeldean Rd. at Eagleson Rd. in Kanata
	March Rd. at Dunrobin Rd.

Why:	Many people feel that abortion is wrong.  It is the belief of many faiths that abortion is the killing of an unborn child.  This is a peaceful public demonstration of that belief.

Campaign Life Coalition is a non-profit, pro-life organization which lobbies the government on life issues, such as, abortion.  LIFE CHAIN is coordinated across Canada and the United States and is being held simultaneously on the same date and at approximately the same time across the continent at over a thousand locations.  Last year in Canada, 25,000 people participated with 700 of those being from the Ottawa area.  People are asked to stand silently in an atmosphere of prayerfulness and hold up a pro-life sign.  These signs are meant to heighten public awareness of the reality of the life of a pre-born child. 
xxx

INFORMATION AUX MÉDIAS

le 27 septembre 2005

CONTACTEZ:	Paul Lauzon (565 2325) ou Wanda Hartlin (831 2515)
	au 729 0379, bureau

La Chaîne pour la Vie 2005

QUI ?	Coalition nationale pour la Vie

QUOI ?	La Chaîne pour la Vie (événement annuel)

QUAND ?	Dimanche, le 2 octobre 2005, de 14H00 jusqu’à 15H00

OU ?	A neuf (9) lieux différents tels que :

	boul. Saint-Joseph au boul. Jeanne d’Arc à Orléans
	chemin Montréal au boul. Saint-Laurent
	chemin Montréal au Parkway Vanier
	chemin Hunt Club à la rue Bank
	la rue Bank coin Nepean
	Ottawa Campus Hôpital Civic à l’avenue Carling
	chemin Merivale à la Promenade Meadowlands
	chemin Hazeldean a l’ouest de la Promenade Eagleson, Kanata
	chemin March à Dunrobin

POURQUOI ?	Beaucoup de gens pensent que l’avortement est un crime, et ils ont bien raison.  Toutes les religions, d’ailleurs, considèrent l’avortement comme le meurtre d’un enfant à naître.  Cette manifestation est un témoignage silencieux de cette vérité.

La Coalition nationale pour la Vie est un organisme pro-vie à but non-lucratif faisant du <<lobbying>> pro-vie auprès des Gouvernements, fédéral et provincial.  La CHAINE POUR LA VIE est coordonnée et organisée à travers le Canada et les Etats-Unis simultanément le même jour en même temps à travers le continent.  L’année dernière il y eu 25 000 participants à la CHAINE POUR LA VIE au Canada, dont 700 dans la région d’Ottawa.  On demande aux participants de témoigner de façon silencieuse dans une atmosphère de prière et de receuillement en tenant une affiche pro-vie.  Ces affiches ont pour but d’attirer l’attention du public sur la dure réalité concernant les dangers auxquels fait face l’enfant à naître.
xxx

News Release

September 29, 2005

Contact:    Wanda Hartlin, Communications Coordinator - CLC Ottawa
	729-0379 (office); 831-2515 (home); 796-0843 (cell)

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Annual Life Chain

A North America-wide pro-life event called Life Chain, is taking place this Sunday, October 2nd from 2:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m.

People who believe that life is sacred and children in the womb are indeed human beings, stand in acknowledgment of this fact in a silent prayerful witness.  Every year in Canada and the United States, on the same day and at approximately the same time, one hour is set aside to stand in unison and remember those children whose lives ended tragically through abortion.  Over a thousand locations are registered to hold the event.   

Life Chain began in Yuba City, California in 1987 and has since spread to many parts of the world.  Life Chain has been held in Canada since 1990.

Last year 25,000 people participated across Canada and in the Ottawa area about 700 participated at ten major locations. Many Christian churches in the greater Ottawa area have been invited to attend.  

Signs are provided and they read, “Abortion Hurts Women”, “Abortion Kills Children”, and “Adoption the Loving Option”.

Life Chain is not a condemnation; it is held out of concern for the life of a child terminated by abortion and the well-being of the mother who has aborted.  

Locations include: St. Joseph at Jeanne D’Arc Blvd. in Orleans, Montreal Rd. at St. Laurent Blvd., Vanier Parkway at Montreal Rd., Hunt Club Rd. at Bank St., Bank at Nepean St., Ottawa Hospital Civic Campus on Carling Ave.,  Merivale Rd. at Meadowlands Dr., Hazeldean at Eagleson Rd. in Kanata, and March Rd. at Dunrobin.

xxx

COMMUNIQUÉ DE PRESSE 

POUR PUBLICATION IMMÉDIATE  

le 29 septembre 2005

CONTACTEZ : 	Paul Lauzon (565 2325) ou Wanda Hartlin (831 2515)
	au 729 0379 - bureau 

Chaîne pour la vie 2005     

Une activité pour le respect de la vie aura lieu ce dimanche, le 2 octobre, de 14H00 jusqu’à 15H00 : La Chaîne pour la vie.

Les gens qui croient au caractère sacré de la vie humaine - et les enfants à naître comptent certes parmi les être humains - rendront témoignage par une prière silencieuse. A chaque année, à travers toute l’Amérique du Nord, le même jour et à la même heure, une heure de solidarité est réservée à la mémoire des enfants avortés.

La Chaîne pour la vie a connu ses débuts à Yuba City, Californie, en 1987, et depuis, s’est propagée dans plusieurs régions de la terre. Au Canada la Chaîne pour la vie remonte à 1990.

L’an dernier pas moins de 25 000 personnes y participaient à travers tout le pays, tandis qu’à Ottawa on comptait quelques 700 participants répartis dans neuf endroits stratégiques.

On lit sur les pancartes fournies aux participants l’écriteau suivant  << L’avortement tue des enfants >>.

La Chaîne pour la vie n'est pas une condamnation:elle est plutôt un geste de sollicitude pour la vie d'un enfant supprimée par l'avortement et le bien-être de la mère qui avorté.

Cette année les neuf endroits sont : boul. Saint-Joseph au boul. Jeanne d’Arc à Orléans, chemin Montréal au boul. Saint-Laurent, chemin Montréal au Parkway Vanier, chemin Hunt Club à la rue Bank, la rue Bank coin Nepean, Ottawa Campus Hôpital Civic à l’avenue Carling, chemin Merivale à la Promenade Meadowlands, chemin Hazeldean à l’ouest de la Promenade Eagleson à Kanata, chemin March à Dunrobin    

xxx

Life Chain 2005 – Ottawa report

This year God blessed us with a beautiful sunny warm day.  Added to our nine locations, we also had Life Chains at St. Margaret Mary Parish in Cumberland, St. Clement’s Parish in downtown Ottawa and a new Life Chain has begun in Almonte.  

Last year a group of about 20 people from Almonte Reformed Presbyterian Church joined the March and Dunrobin Roads location.  Someone mentioned to them that they had enough people to start their own Life Chain so this year they decided that they would do just that. Under the direction of their pastor, Matthew Dyck, they invited the churches in their area to join them and then picked up signs from our Campaign Life office.  Much to their joy, 60 people showed up for Life Chain at the corner of Ottawa and Martin Streets.

Montreal Road and St. Laurent Blvd. captain Alice Whelton reported that 50 people showed up, an increase from 35 from the last few years. People came from Quebec and remarked that there was no Life Chain in the Hull/Gatineau area.

John McKinnon, offered to play his bag pipes at the Hunt Club and Bank Street location.  Because of his masterful playing the number of participants increased.   

We also had increased numbers at the Merivale/Meadowlands and Kanata locations.
Maureen Farnand was pleased at the large turnout (the largest one in our area this year with 125 participants) on Merivale Road and she commented on the many young families that participated.

The Civic Hospital, Orleans, Cumberland and the Vanier Parkway locations had a decrease in numbers, but that happens; yet it still doesn't stop us from getting out the message that abortion destroys lives.

Some locations had fewer people, but some had an increase.  Over all the number of people who turned out was good, giving us a total of 636.  

People commented that they heard Life Chain announced on CFRA radio station and a film crew from A Channel ( Ottawa’s regional TV station) took some footage of the group from St. Clement’s church on King Edward Avenue that was shown on the six o’clock news that evening.

Usually I do a drive around and pass about four locations ending up by participating at one location, but this year we were short one captain so I stayed at the Kanata location.  Reactions included a few middle fingers and unhappy looks and comments, but there were more thumbs up, tooting horns and words of encouragement.  One of the captains remarked that it is not the negative or positive responses that bothered him, but the indifference. I have to admit that the majority of drivers passed us looking straight ahead.

Some people were disappointed that more pastors did not give us a boost of encouragement.  But on Merivale Road priests came from three area churches, on Hunt Club Road a new pastor from a local church joined us and Almonte was fully supported by Rev. Dyck.  The Vanier Parkway location is captained by Deacon Frank Barrett. 

Always remember the battle is the Lord’s, we are only the foot soldiers.

If you have any suggestions or ideas for next year, please let me know.

God Bless

Wanda Hartlin
Campaign Life Coalition, Ottawa