Tweed News: Harry’s Story Launch at Lions Hall – Standing Room Only

Tweed News - Harry's Story Launch at Northbrook Lions Hall

Tweed News – Harry’s Story Launch at Northbrook Lions Hall

Click link to see full story.  Thanks to Shannon Binder Bray for coming to the launch and writing the story and taking the photo and to Rodger Hanna (owner/operator of the Tweed News) for publishing the article.

Harry’s Story, Outtake #1- Hiding Jews from the Nazis – Sonya and Esther

This is the first outtake from Harry’s Story. Harry explains where his little sister Sonya hid during Nazi home inspections as well as Sonya’s mother Esther.

The documentary, ‘Harry’s Story’ is about the childhood memories of Harry Andringa when he lived in Holland with his family during the Nazi invasion in 1940.  He recalls the hiding of Jews in his family home to prevent Jews being sent to concentration or death camps. At the age of 25, Harry immigrated to Canada and worked as a TTC bus driver in Toronto for many years.  After retirement he moved to the small village of Flinton, Ontario with his wife Fim and son David.  Harry took a keen interest in volunteerism as a way to say thanks to Canada and the Allies for ending 5 years of Nazi brutality and ending the War in Europe in 1945.  Harry’s memories are preserved in his documentary.

Harry’s Story Premiere Well Attended – Standing-Room Only!

Harry Andringa and members of his family attended the launch of 'Harry's Story'.

Public Launch October 25, 2017

What a great turnout to the public launch of ‘Harry’s Story’ at the Northbrook Lions Hall!  Several members of Harry’s family attended too and quickly posed for the above photo.  Thanks to the Land O’ Lakes Lions for providing the Hall for the launch and the Cloyne and District Historical Society for providing refreshments.  Harry answered some questions afterwards and gave special recognition to WWII Veteran Gordon Wood who was in attendance.

Harry’s Story Local Launch Announced!
October 25th at the Northbrook Lions Hall

Come to the Public Viewing!

The trailer video of Harry’s Story has been well circulated and now is the time to set a date for public release.  In partnership with the Cloyne and District Historical Society and the Lions Club of Land O’ Lakes Inc., we are pleased to launch Harry’s Story with a public viewing on October 25th at 7  pm in the Northbrook Lions Hall.

Harry Andringa  is planning to attend and will answer questions after the 38 minute presentation.

Refreshments will be served.

Please join us learn why there is a special bond between the Dutch and Canadians!

“Harry’s Story” Documentary Completed – Available Free for Public Showing

Thank you  for visiting our blog. Harry’s Story documentary is now complete and is available free, online.  Harry Andringa kindly let Ken and Cathy Hook interview him and ask questions about his experiences during the war.  Harry used to visit local schools in the fall months, around Remembrance Day, and tell high school children about the hardships his family faced after Nazi occupation in his village.  He explains how everything changed when the Nazis arrived.  He explains about the ‘Hunger Winter’ when thousands of Dutch citizen starved to death when the Nazis cut-off food supplies.

Harry’s family hid Jews from the Nazis.  Being caught was punishable by sent to a concentration camp or death for the Jews and the Dutch families.He describes concentration and death camps including the infamous Auschwitz.  His memories are supported by vintage war footage from the Canadian Army Newsreels.

Harry hopes that telling his memories of WWII in Holland will educate children into the horrors of war and what can happen when dictators and oppression can go unchecked.  History should not be able to repeat itself again.

View the complete documentary on YouTube.
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