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Community Profile
Dedicated to Improving
Children’s Lives
CHILD HAVEN INTERNATIONAL FOUNDERS RECOGNIZED
BY IRIS WINSTON
The numbers are astounding. Since 1985, one
couple in Canada has changed the lives of more
than 1,100 children and 150 women in four
countries.
After raising 21 of their own children (“two
were born to us and 19 from 11 or 12 different
cultures are adopted”), Fred and Bonnie
Cappuccino turned their attention to helping
destitute children in India, Nepal, Bangladesh,
and Tibet. The Cappucinnos founded Child
Haven International, a non-profit, non-sectarian
charitable organization that follows the ideals of
Mahatma Gandhi.
“We try to raise the children to be good citizens
in their own country, following Gandhian
principles,” says Bonnie, emphasizing that nonviolence
and vegetarianism are key aspects of the
lifestyle in the Child Haven homes. “Living is
simple and meals are vegetarian. There is no
change of religion. Boys and girls are treated
equally and without regard to race, caste, colour,
religion, or culture. We try not to westernize the
children, but rather to raise them according to
the highest ideals of their own cultures.”
As well as offering food, shelter, health
care, education, and emotional support for the
children in the organization’s eight homes,
Child Haven International also helps women by
offering them training and employment.
Currently, Child Haven International has 200
Due East Magazine • Page 8 • Spring 2008
PHOTO: IRIS WINSTON