Welcome to Update - August 2023

Working towards a truly just,

healthy and peaceful world.

In this update...

• The Wild Ride keeps building!
• July Voices of Hope/Voix d'espoir - Read about PWRDF's support for shallow wells in Kenya

The latest PWRDF News...

• Breaking barriers in Eastern Uganda: PWRDF and RHF team-up again
• Education forms foundation for equality in El Salvador
• Laying the groundwork for peace in Sri Lanka
• Loud and clear: Taking climate action on the radio

Plus our latest resources and upcoming events!

The Wild Ride keeps building!

Fourteen teams have already registered for the Wild Ride and together we will raise funds for our partners who work with refugees or Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) in countries such as Tanzania, South Sudan, Jordan, Ukraine and more. Participate in the Wild Ride as an individual or you can join as part of a team!

There's still time to join us!

The 2023 PWRDF Wild Ride began on World Refugee Day, June 20, and will run until Thanksgiving Day, October 9.

Watch the launch webinar!

This year’s Wild Ride is dedicated to the memory of the Rev. Canon Greg Smith



Greg was a beloved PWRDF volunteer: a dedicated diocesan representative in the Diocese of Huron for 20 years, a Mapping the Ground We Stand On facilitator, and a team captain since 2014 in both the Ride for Refuge and the Wild Ride. Greg passed away suddenly on May 6, 2023.

Learn about PWRDF's support for shallow wells and water accessibility in Kenya.

Breaking barriers in Eastern Uganda: PWRDF and RHF team-up again

In Uganda, women do not enjoy the same opportunities as men. PWRDF and long-standing partner, Rape Hurts Foundation, have come together in a project to empower women and youth in Eastern Uganda. With $22,400 from PWRDF, RHF aims to engage thousands of women and youth, mostly survivors of sexual and gender-based violence, and female genital mutilation (FGM), as well as some caretakers and men, to create stronger futures for themselves.

Education forms foundation for equality in El Salvador

All around the world, members of the LGBTQIA+ community face discrimination, threats, harassment and violence, just because of their identity. One of the major contributing factors to this is a lack of education and awareness of LGBTQIA+ identities and experiences. To combat discrimination and attempt to secure safer futures for LGBTQIA+ communities, PWRDF has partnered with long-time partner, Association CoCoSI, on a project to promote education and awareness surrounding sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR) in El Salvador. Earlier this year, PWRDF staff had the opportunity to participate in a project development process with CoCoSI, PWRDF Youth Council member Duncan Chalmers wrote about his experience for the June 2023 edition of Under the Sun.

Laying the groundwork for peace in Sri Lanka

PWRDF has allocated $14,000 to support the restoration and ongoing work of the New Oppuravillam in Vavuniya, Sri Lanka where education, community and awareness building and skills development were key components of its founder’s vision. PWRDF funding will support the centre's important work and help provide a brighter future for local communities.

Loud and clear: Taking climate action on the radio

The voices, knowledge and ideas from people most affected by climate change are rarely heard in the media. In Colombia, an innovative project to protect the moorlands, which provide 70% of the country’s water and are under threat due to extractive activities, is beginning a second phase. Eleven citizen reporters – who were trained during the project’s initial phase – have produced hundreds of pieces of environmentally-focused multimedia, including radio bulletins, videos, photography, and digital content. PWRDF has partnered with the World Association for Christian Communication (WACC) and Grupo Comunicarte to extend this people-led environmental protection project into its second phase.

The World of Gifts keeps on giving!

Support PWRDF partners working to accompany refugees, improve security and livelihoods, provide clean water, empower women and support Indigenous programs. 

EVENTS

Praying with PWRDF returns

All are welcome to join our online parish. Hundreds have prayed with us from across Canada. Praying with PWRDF will be back in September.

Join us Thursday, September 14 at 1 p.m. ET – We look forward to welcoming PWRDF’s Public Engagement Coordinator Suzanne Rumsey will be our reflector.

Book your Mapping Exercise workshop

PWRDF's Mapping the Ground We Stand On is now available as an online or an in-person workshop. Learn more at pwrdf.org/mapping-exercise.

PWRDF coming to a church near you

PWRDF has joined scores of virtual worship services at parishes across the country. Staff can deliver a prerecorded sermon, or join live worship on Zoom or other platforms. To learn more or to book a virtual guest speaker, contact Public Engagement Officer Christine Hills.

PWRDF wants to hear from you!

Please share your fundraising success stories to inspire others and to spread the word about the good work you have done! Email Christine Hills and tell us about it. Many thanks to all of our donors.

RESOURCES

a just generation is a series of conversations with allies, educators and folks working to bring about equity and justice. 

Join Duncan Chalmers and Robyn Sulkko in conversation with PWRDF Humanitarian Response Coordinator Naba Gurung as they chat about how PWRDF responds to humanitarian crises and disasters in Canada.

(left) This year's placemat includes children's activities and the Prayer for PWRDF on the reverse; (top right) the offering envelope and (bottom right) bulletin cover reflect the Let's Make a World of Difference theme.

Annual Resources for 2023 now available for ordering

PWRDF’s resources for 2023 focus on the overall work of PWRDF and partners around the world and extend an invitation: “Let's Make a World of Difference.” There are pieces to support a PWRDF Sunday, such as bulletin covers and offering envelopes, as well as our popular in memoriam and in honour cards for use anytime. These beautiful educational and informational resources unite us in prayer and action for the work of PWRDF and partners. Learn more about this year's resources and order for your parishes gatherings and services.

Creation Care: Climate Action 2.2

Climate-change emergencies and women

In year two of our Creation Care: Climate Action education focus, we are exploring the intersections between Climate Change and Gender. Learning Module 2.2 is focussed on Climate change emergencies and Women. It includes a recorded South-North dialogue with Bishop Jane Alexander, now ministering in the Territory of the People, and Mary Obiero with Church World Service Africa, as they discuss how women are impacted by emergencies caused by climate change, be they fires, floods or droughts. How are women impacted differently than men? And how are they responding? The resource includes scripture readings and questions for Bible study, as well as suggested activities for a parish group.

Annual Report available in English and French

The 2021-2022 Annual Report is available in English and French. Click on either of the images to view the PDF. If you would like to order Annual Reports in English or French, please email [email protected].

English

French