Fred and Bonnie Cappuccino are not your average parents. This couple from Maxville, Ontario raised two biological children, adopted 19 children from around the world and brought them to Canada, and founded the Canadian charity Child Haven International, an organization that provides the basics of life – food, shelter and education, bringing the total children under the Cappuccino’s care to over 1,100 and counting. On Saturday, April 2, at 7 p.m. ET on CTV, W5 presents “Children’s Champions,” reported by CTV South Asia Bureau Chief Janis Mackey Frayer on special assignment to W5. Also, W5 investigates the plight facing members of one Ontario community who invested on the advice of trusted friends and family and lost millions of dollars.
W5 repeats Sunday, April 3 at noon on CTV and 1 p.m. on CP24, and Monday, April 4 at 8 p.m. ET on Investigation Discovery, and then on demand on the CTV News Video Player at CTV.ca (visit CTV.ca for local listings).
In “Children’s Champions” W5 profiles the parents behind this modern day Brady Bunch whose compassion and care have changed the lives of children here in Canada and half-way around the globe. Mackey Frayer visits Child Haven International’s home in Kaliyampoondi, India, to get an up-close look at the remarkable day-to-day operations of this Canadian charity inspired by the teachings of Mahatma Gandhi. W5 sees first hand the tireless efforts of 76-year old founder Bonnie Cappuccino, known affectionately by the hundreds of children under her care as ‘Bonnie Ma.’
Also in this episode, W5 presents “Taken On Faith,” a look into an investment club that targeted Toronto’s Caribbean community. With promises of returns of up to 20 percent a month hundreds signed up – some even taking out loans to buy into the investment. In W5’s investigation Paula Todd examines how this supposedly fantastic financial opportunity has turned into a living nightmare for some who are now struggling to pay off huge debts.
