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M is for...
May, Mothers, Martha and Marjorie…
In this May edition of the Link, we want to pay tribute to mothers, share with you the story of Martha and celebrate the legacy of one of ISS’s Canada ‘’founders’’ Marjorie Kirlin.
During the month of May, around the world children, young and old, will be celebrating, honoring and thanking their mothers. Whether their mother be biological, adoptive, step, foster, donor or surrogate, we are all thankful for mothers. Yes, in 2018, mothers come in all shapes, sizes (and types) and have played an important role in their children's lives. Why not make this May issue of the Link a tribute to mothers. At ISS we have worked with many interesting files that have dealt with mothers, but we have chosen one story of love, determination, hope and reunification. Martha's story will surely resonate with many of you.
Martha's story is also perfect for the service that we chose to highlight: reunification. Did you know that ISS Canada started as a reunification agency back in 1924? The ISS mission was reunifying families displaced by war. In a time when there was no social media, no computers, no phones…ISS was there!
M is also for Multiply, as in multiplying your gift. Have you heard of The Great Canadian Giving Challenge? Happening thoughout the month of June, every dollar you donate to our charity qualifies us to win $10,000. Get all the details at www.givingchallenge.ca #GivingChallengeCA
And last but not least, in this May edition we want to say farewell to a woman that made ISS what it is today. Marjorie Kirlin passed away late last year (2017) but this month, we will get to say our final farewell. We hope that you will read her tribute and be inspired by who Marjorie was, what she stood for and appreciate what she accomplished. Goodbye Marjorie, and thank for believing in ISS Canada.
Enjoy The Link!
Sylvie
Director of Services
ISS Canada
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*Image not of Martha
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A mother for always…
Martha*, a mother of 4 children called our agency several years ago saying that she was anxious and looking for her 2 twin sons.
Martha had fled Gabon* with her four children, two girls and twin sons. During their perilous voyage, she was separated from the twins. Her journey eventually brought her to Russia where she resided for two years. Martha was now settled in Canada but was sad and depressed, reporting that she did not know where her sons were, or even if they were still alive. Now that she was settled in Canada, she needed to find out what had happened to her sons. At the time of their escape from Gabon the boys, Marti and Carl were 17 years old.
While Martha and her two girls where living in Russia, a man, who was from thier hometown in Gabon said that he had seen one of the boys while he was visiting the Netherlands. He had been visiting the Netherlands, he saw one of my boys while he was on the train, he said hello to him, casually, but at the time, he was not aware that I was looking for my them.
ISS collected as much information as possible from Martha and sent the information to the colleagues in the Netherlands. Our colleagues quickly found the twins as they were registered as refugees. Local social services were able to make the first initial contact. The twins, who could not believe that their mother was alive, wanted contact with her and their sisters, but they were weary. They worked with the local social worker asking for proof of who this woman was. Write to us and send pictures to prove who you are.
Martha wrote to them via ISS, attached pictures, copies of passports, and re-assured them, that she was their mother.
Their social worker in the Netherlands met with them and offered support. They were more than happy and wrote a short note to their mother giving her their e-mail address: write to us, dear mother. We are happy that we have found you!
ISS Canada contacted Martha with this news. After a few days, she wrote an e-mail: ‘’This is the happiest day of my life- today I spoke with them. We laughed. We cried. It was magical. Now I want to hold them…’’
Having found the boys, Martha was able to continue the process of immigration for her sons. And after some time, they joined her in Canada.
Martha had not seen her boys for over 5 years. Regardless of time and distance, she carried them in her heart. Through the refugee process, through some difficult times where she did not think they were alive and waiting for them to join her, Martha was patient. Martha believed.
''For the rest of my life, I will never forget with ISS Canada did for me and my family. You will be in our prayers as we are eternally grateful!''
*names and places have been changed to protect identity
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Farewell Marjorie...
Marjorie Kirlin was named as an honorary lifetime member of ISS Canada after over 30 years working and volunteering for the agency. This honor was bestowed upon her by the board of directors of the organization. The presentation was made by Aggie Casselman, our past Executive Director. At that time, Aggie described Marjorie as having left a loving, caring legacy with ISS Canada. She was also described as the keeper of the history of the organsation.
Marjorie begun her involvement with ISS Canada as secretary to the first Executive Director, and also worked with the first President of ISS Canada. Marjorie was involved in the incorporation process of the organization back in 1979.
Marjorie later served as Administrator to three other Executive Directors through the years. Marjorie also assumed the role of bookkeeper of the organization and took great pride in assuring that the board information was well documented through its minutes, archives, etc. Staff and board always appreciated her efficiency and always knew that they could count on her for support.
Marjorie retired from ISS Canada in 1999 and was active with the Friends of ISS and continued volunteering until 2011.
This passed May, friends and family gathered in Ottawa to say pay tribute to this wonderful, dedicated woman, that was Marjorie.
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Your contribution helps ISS Canada provide much needed services to vulnerable families and mothers like Martha.
Thank you for your help.
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For free case consultation or information on our international social services, please contact one of ISS Canada's experienced social workers.
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