SPEAKING ENGAGEMENTS - KAREN CLEGG
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"Being born and raised in Zimbabwe, Africa, and then being fortunate enough to begin a new life in North America,brought me a new responsibility. To speak from the heart, and from a personal perspective, on issues like the Zimbabwe situation, women and childrens needs and the HIV pandemic in Africa. In 2005, I finally became a citizen of Canada. In the citizenship ceremony, the presiding judge said "Love the old country, but the love your new one more". Those words changed my life. Today I still speak out on Zimbabwe, and encourage support for youth in need in this troubled country. BUT - what the judge said reminded me that I should also use my abilities to help those in need in my new country. Our Canadian youth need a little help too, and perhaps my fresh & personal perspective on youth needs in Africa could be part of inspiring them to strive a life of value locally and globally. Click Here for my biography. |
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ZIMBABWE 2009 - "THE FIGHT FOR FREEDOM & CHANGE"
Born and raised in Zimbabwe, fortunate enough to have been allowed to rebuild my life in Canada - my children and I are split between 2 shores. I arrived back in Zimbabwe, my native homeland, 48 hours before the elections were held on March 29th 2008. My intention being to visit with what is left of my family, vote for change, and document the truth. Zimbabwe is not just another 'poor Africa story' - it never was. For a personal perspective, and a graphic presentation of where Zimbabwe is today, would be a privilege for me to share with you. Zimbabwe is very definitely 'hot news' right now, and the experiences and lives I was entrusted to share whilst in Zimbabwe, have much in common with the best of Canadian values. Geographically Zimbabweans and Canadians are over 8500 miles apart - but when it comes to whats important to these two nations, their differences are miniscule.
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'ABI'S STORY '
A slide presentation that gives a face to the disease that is destroying the Africa we love. This land we call home is rich in resources, beauty & mystique. Her demise is slow but sure, unless the western world intervenes -sooner rather than later. There is hope and there are solutions. Every one of us is responsible for changing Africa's course - because when you hear 'Abi's story' - you'll realise she is just like you and me. There is nothing she did, or could have done, or was, that sets her apart from you or I. Meet 'Abigail' - a woman my family loved, who was 'me' to our daughter when I could not be there, who has lived a more honourable life than most of us (certainly me) and who died both of Aids, and a broken spirit. I speak in tribute to her life , a 'thank-you' for all she has done - it's the least I can do. I am convinced she died thinking she left 'no mark' - but each time I tell her story, someone else joins the fight and convinces me she was wrong. |
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PROBUS - BLUE MOUNTAIN
"Karen’s presentation focused on the dramatic depths to which her homeland has sunk under the dictatorship of Mugabe. Many of her slides depicted that savage brutality inflicted on anyone opposed to the Mugabe government. Thank you for the eye opening presentation Karen." Gayton White, Probus President Blue Mountain |
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ROTARY - MARKDALE
"A most sincere thank you for your presentation to the Rotary Club of Markdale and their partners last evening. Everyone was moved by your very graphic description of the sad decline of Zimbabwe. Your efforts can only help to save your homeland." Ronald D. Wyvill, Chairperson Speakers Committee |
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ROTARY - RICHMOND HILL
"Through a very detailed slide presentation, Karen was able to give us a recent insider's look at the situation in Zimbabwe and though it is not pretty, it is accurate. " President: Samir Dossal |
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PRIVATE BUSINESS GROUP
"Karen is a polished and motivated speaker, who speaks directly, simply, passionately and effectively. From the heart you might say.............she puts a human face on the problem." John Hitchcock, University of Toronto, Geography Department (now Retired). |
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PROBUS CLUB OF HARBOURLANDS
"I would highly recommend Karen Clegg as an excellent speaker on the Aids situation in Africa; specifically its effects on women and children. She is both well informed and very professional". Chairperson- Susan Ecclestone, Speakers Committee, Probus Harbourlands. |
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MAPLE LEAF WOMEN'S PROBUS CLUB OF NEWMARKET, ONTARIO
"Karen Clegg spoke at the Mapleleaf Probus group in Newmarket
on March 18th. Her topic was based on the struggles of the people in Zimbabwe under the rule of the dictator Mugabe.She had a very detailed slide presentation of the situation in her country which held us spellbound! Our ladies were very impressed with Karen. I heartily recommend her as a guest speaker for any Probus group. Program Director - Donna Waterworth |
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ST ANDREWS MENS GROUP OF SCARBOROUGH, ONTARIO
"The word 'Contrast', in a positive sense brings to mind the right combination of light and dark colours in a room decor, or the shadows against an orange sunset sky. In the negative though it suggests things much more threatening like good against evil, right against wrong or abuse of power by rich against the poor or powerless. Such contrast could never be more apparent than in Karen Cleggs audio /video presentation("The Fight for Freedom and Change") about her homeland of Zimbabwe.In the video you see the graphic evidence of the abuses, inflicted on the Zimbabwian people by a brutal, abusive regime interested only in the perpetuation of itself and certainly not the rights and needs of its population. If you the reader are representing a group interested in democracy and fairness worldwide then you should plan to see Karens presentation and Q and A followup. It gives new meaning to our Canadian freedoms while arousing our consciousness toward those working to attain it. This is a must see program!" .......... President - Ed Beattie |
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PROBUS CLUB OF SCARBOROUGH
"Karen Clegg's video presentation describing the current political situation in Zimbabwe, followed by an excellent question and answer period was very much enjoyed by all our members. It was thought-provoking, factual, and heart-rending in parts. Probus Club Scarborough Centre would have no hesitation in recommending this speaker and her presentation to other Probus Clubs". Doug Spence, Speakers Committee, Probus Scarborough
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PROBUS CLUB OF NORTH OAKVILLE
"Thank you once again for a thought provoking/inspiring presentation.You are correct in that pictures are worth a thousand words.You could have heard a pin drop during the presentation.Hopefully enough people will hear the message and their voice will be heard in the Chambers of Power and that other governments will put pressure on Zimbabwe to reform. You are to be congratulated for the time and effort you put forward on behalf of the people of Zimbabwe.Good Luck ." Ron Millichamp, Vice-President, Probus North Oakville |
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