October 11, 2016
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For years, Glammis native Allan Thompson wrote about the 1994 genocide in Rwanda for the Toronto Star, and later made presentations about his experiences and, in particular "The Genocide Video."
The video captured the murders of a man and his daughter. It haunted Thompson until he tracked them down and met the wife and mother, Rosalie Uzamukunda. The original story in the Star - The father and daughter we let down - generated a tremendous public reaction.
Thompson kept in touch with Rosalie and travelled to Rwanda April 11, 2014, for the 20th anniversary of the genocide, attending the memorial at the burial site with her and her family.
As a self-employed widow, Rosalie has very limited means but now, because of the flooding in Rwanda in May, she must find a new place to live and figure out how to get on with her life, says Thompson.
"I am trying to help Rosalie to establish a fund that will give her some financial security as she tries - once again - to rebuild her life," he says. "All of the money raised through this campaign will be sent directly to Rosalie in Rwanda and evidence of that transfer will be shared with all donors.
"Over the years, I have told the story of Rosalie and the loss of her husband, Gabriel, and daughter, Justine, through the news media and to many audiences. Through this appeal, I am reaching out to those who know about this family's struggle and may be willing to help in this time of need."
Those who wish to donate and assist Rosalie, will find the details at the following GoFundMe page: www.gofundme.com/rwandarosalie
Rosalie Uzamukunda, who survived the 1994 genocide in Rwanda, must now find another place to live after the flooding in the area; photo courtesy of Allan Thompson
Written ByLiz Dadson is the founder and editor of the Kincardine Record and has been in the news business since 1986.
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