From Kleefeld to Kolkata: MCC sponsor marks 40 years of giving

The 1,100 residents of Kleefeld are probably not aware of the celebrity in their midst. And in fact, she would probably prefer to keep it that way. In this town, known locally as “the land of milk and honey,” one of their own has affected the lives of families a world away in Kolkata (the new spelling for Calcutta), India.

This marvel is Helen Fast, a busy, dynamic mother of five and grandmother of seven. At 82, she lives in her own house, is involved with her church, and participates in a sewing circle which donates home-made quilts to people in need throughout the world. On top of all this, she has inadvertently become a bit of a celebrity at Mennonite Central Committee (MCC) as one of Canada’s longest continuous supporters of the Global Family sponsorship program.

Helen and her late husband Frank sponsored their first student from India in 1965. Now, 40 years later, they have contributed to the education of nine children who would have little or no opportunity for schooling without the support of sponsors.

Helen Fast, a long-time supporter of MCC’s Global Family program, shares some of the letters she has received over the past 40 years, with Gayle Zacharias, the Program Coordinator for Canada. MCC photo by Joanie Enns

Mrs. Fast attributes her long-standing commitment to the education of children in developing countries to her faith and life experience. She learned about MCC from her family, who moved to Canada from Russia when she was a baby. “As a small girl, I remember hearing about how scared people were, how hungry they were, and how unsure they were about their futures during the (Bolshevik) Revolution,” the former school teacher said. Through her church, she became involved with various MCC projects from an early age. “It’s in my blood to help,” she said, “and it feels very good to be able help others.”

She firmly believes that, “when you help someone continue their education, you can help them to live.”

Over the years, the Fasts received letters from their sponsored children, and their own children referred to the students as their “brothers and sisters.” Helen has kept most of these letters. One was addressed to her son Jeffrey. “You have asked what I do after school hours . . . I like to go to the playground to play ‘football’,” wrote the student, sounding much like any child living anywhere in the world.

There were, however, some stark differences, including one letter where the student notes, “There have been heavy days of rain in Calcutta which has broken records of the last 50 years. The cost of food has been raised as a result.” His sister added, “Your gifts are a great help to us which I cannot explain in any language.”

Mrs. Fast remained committed to her support for the Global Family Program after her husband’s death. “I have fond memories of Frank,” she said, “and I wanted to continue the projects we started together.”

Committed seniors like Helen Fast play an important role in the continuation of MCC’s Global Family Program, which began in 1953 to help children affected by the Korean War. Ten years later, the India program began with 200 individual cases. Today, in India alone, sponsors support 1,270 individuals. Sponsors are able to help with some financial burdens which help families facing economic uncertainty. (More information at MCC Global Family Program or MCC offices.)

—Tara Tharayil, writer for MCC Canada Communications