Knights develop pro-life calendar

By GEORGE RODZIEWICZ
Special to the WCR
St. Albert

Brother Anthony Council no. 10014 of St. Albert has produced thousands of Help Save a Life pro-life calendars for 2001 which contain upbeat messages and artwork by local junior high and high school students.

The calendars have been distributed to councils throughout the Alberta/NWT state, who have been invited to participate in this first-time project for the Knights in the province.

Proceeds will support the activities of Alberta Pro-Life.

The local Knights council presented a prototype of the calendar at the K of C state convention in Edmonton last May, which was well received, says calendar project coordinator Brad Cody.

"'Respect for life' is important to the knights around the world," said Cody, a member of Brother Anthony Council who came up with the idea for the calendar.

"Calendars are used by families everyday. We believe they are a good way to convey the important messages of respect for life in homes across our province."

Cody added that his council is also encouraged by the number of calls received for copies of the calendar since the convention was held this past spring.

The project has been endorsed by Archbishop Thomas Collins, the Knights' state deputy Julito Reyes, and Joanne Hatton, president of Alberta Pro-Life.

As well as raising funds for Alberta Pro-Life, participating councils may also earn a percentage of the proceeds for their own charitable programs, or to support their local pro-life group. The students whose work is featured in the calendars are also eligible for student scholarships.

"Some Knight councils are selling the calendars in their parishes in cooperation with their youth groups," said Eric Schickle, grand knight of Brother Anthony Council. "We're excited about this project because everyone who participates will benefit in some way."

Schickle said the results from this year's sales will help determine the future of the program. Even so, Brother Anthony Council has already started planning for the 2002 calendar.

Depending on sales, the project could generate more than $10,000 for Alberta Pro-Life. To buy a calendar, contact your local council. Or visit Alberta Pro-Life at www.albertaprolife.com.

For general information about the project contact calendar coordinator Brad Cody at 460-5801 (evenings).

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