Welcome to Alongside Hope Connect!

May 2025

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In this update...

• May Voices of Hope/Voix d'espoir - Finn Church Aid in South Sudan

The latest Alongside Hope News...

• Donor will match gifts to Resilience Fund up to $250,000
• Music students raise their voices and funds for Kenya
• Alongside Hope Staffer honoured with Anglican Award of Merit
• Volunteers make all the difference!
• Al-Ahli Hospital update

Plus resources and upcoming events

• Praying with Alongside Hope on May 8
• Resilience Fund Partner Webinar on May 22
• New Annual Resources ready for order!

Learn about Alongside Hope's support work in South Sudan with partners

Finn Church Aid and Canadian Foodgrains Bank.

Donor to match gifts to Resilence Fund up to a quarter million dollars

In the wake of massive cuts to international development assistance by the U.S. Government and some European governments, Alongside Hope partners are reporting that progress is being undone, programs are being forced to shut down, and families and communities are living in uncertainty about their futures. To maintain as many vital programs as possible, Alongside Hope is launching an urgent appeal to donors, the Resilience Fund. Thanks to an extremely generous donor, all gifts made to the Resilience Fund by June 30, 2025 will be matched, up to $250,000.

Students raise their voices and funds for Kenya

Shawn Wiseman has been hosting annual concerts at St. Martin's Cathedral in Newfoundland to raise funds for Alongside Hope's clean water project in Kenya. Through ticket sales and donations, Wiseman and his students have raised $22,500, enough to build nine shallow wells that will provide safe water to those in need. Wiseman's goal is not only to raise funds but also to instill a spirit of generosity in his students and inspire them to appreciate the power of giving back.

Alongside Hope staffer honoured with Anglican Award of Merit

Suzanne Rumsey, Public Engagement Program Coordinator for Alongside Hope, has been awarded the Anglican Award of Merit, the highest lay award in the Anglican Church of Canada. Rumsey has made significant contributions to Alongside Hope's work, including developing education resources, creating worship liturgies, and spearheading online worship services during the pandemic. She's also known for co-creating the "Mapping the Ground We Stand On" reconciliation workshop, which helps communities understand and respond to the Truth and Reconciliation Commission's Calls to Action. Congratulations Suzanne on this amazing accomplishment!

Volunteers make all the difference!

Celebrate National Volunteer Week (April 28-May 4) with us!

Alongside Hope is proud of its volunteers who make a positive impact in their communities and around the world. Our volunteers bring diverse perspectives, passions, and stories to our mission. Meet Emmajane, Nandita, Nancy, and John, who share their experiences and insights on volunteering with Alongside Hope. We're grateful for their contributions and thankful to all our volunteers for their tireless efforts, dedication, and compassion. Every single one of you is valued and appreciated!

Al-Ahli Hospital sustains Palm Sunday air strikes

Al-Ahli Hospital in Gaza City, the only hospital still operating in the area, was hit by Israeli airstrikes on Palm Sunday, damaging the Emergency Department and Pharmacy. The hospital's staff are working to restore services despite the destruction. The attack comes after six weeks of no medical aid or food entering the besieged Gaza Strip. The hospital remains a vital lifeline for the community, and its staff are committed to providing care despite the challenges.

EVENTS

Thursday, May 22, 1 p.m. - 2:30 p.m. EST

Resilience Fund webinar: Meet the partners

Meet Alongside Hope partner, Village Health Works

In Burundi, USAID cuts led to a shortage of Ready-to-Use Therapeutic Food (RUTF), impacting Village Health Works' efforts to combat childhood malnutrition. However, with support from Alongside Hope, VHW will start producing RUTF locally, helping to prevent and treat malnutrition in children.

Book your Mapping Exercise workshop

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

Alongside Hope 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 Alongside Hope and tell us about it. We extend graditute to our donors.

RESOURCES

2025 Annual Resources now ready to order!

We're delighted to introduce a new suite of materials designed to bring the work of Alongside Hope into your parish or community. From innovative folders to the tried-and-true book marks, place mats, offering envelopes and more, this year's resources make a colourful display on bulletin boards or Narthex table. We also have a new bulletin cover to use for an Alongside Hope Sunday, as well as a new worship resource which includes orders of service for Holy Eucharist, Service of the Word and a sample sermon.

March Under the Sun available online

This issue is themed around transformation, from our new name to the work of our partners, and the impact on our donors.

Communion Forest education resource invites you to share your stories

In the third and final year of Alongside Hope's Creation Care: Climate Action Education Focus, we are examining the intersections of climate change and health; how planetary and ecosystem health directly affect human health. Learning Module 3.1 focuses on the Communion Forest initiative of the worldwide Anglican Communion. Tell us how your parish has engaged in Communion Forest activities! Download the resource to learn more, and email us at info@alongsidehope.org.

2023-2024 Annual Report available in English and French

To order an Annual Report, email info@alongsidehope.org.

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