In Lucinde's own words:

I was always raised to believe that ownership was a privilege to be shared. A car meant that you were able to give friends a ride, and a house meant that any community you were a part of could find a shelter and a space to share, whether that was family, friends, or neighbours.

Our friendly little house on Merriman Drive has lived up to that maxim nobly. Birthdays, seasonal festivals and family members in need have found a home here. And although our living room is not large, for the past 15 years or more it has accommodated a weekly gathering of musicians, singers and friends who just love traditional music. We

have shared countless evenings of fun and fellowship, with an endless supply of snacks and a bottomless pot of spiced apple cider on the stove. And we hope to do so for many years to come, with your help.

Our roof has been on borrowed time for about six years, and has finally given us notice that it needs replacing. There is a hole in the hallway ceiling from the water coming in, and although friends have done their utmost to patch it, we now know that the only alternative is a new roof, and that we need it before the heavy rains come. We do not have the financial means to cover this cost, and so a group of good friends (now

dubbed the Roof Rats) have offered to oversee the project and we are looking for ways to raise the funds needed. Not an easy thing to ask for, but we know that our house can continue to serve our extended community if we can keep a roof over our heads …literally!

You are receiving this email because you are a part of that community either through music, dancing, friendship or family. And we are immensely grateful for every gesture of goodwill, whether it be a gift of money - however small - or your love and support as we work towards our goal of continuing to welcome as many as possible under our new

roof.

Thank you for being part of our global family!