Welcome to Update - January 2024

Working towards a truly just,

healthy and peaceful world.

In this update...

• December Voices of Hope/Voix d'espoir - Read about PWRDF's support for partner Rayjon Share Care in Haiti
• Annual Report available
• Check out Super Friends 11!

The latest PWRDF News...

• Warm for winter: PWRDF continues support for Ukrainians with disabilities
• PWRDF World of Gifts keeps giving - all year long!
• Al-Ahli Hospital update

Plus resources and upcoming events

Learn about PWRDF's support for Rayjon Share Care in Haiti.

Annual Report available in English and French

The 2022-2023 Annual Report was included in the September Anglican Journal, and the French Rapport Annuel was included in the December Quebec Gazette and Montreal Anglican. If you would like to order additional Annual Reports in either English or French, please email pwrdf@pwrdf.org.

Super Friends 11! Available now

Super Friends is a long-standing Social Justice resource produced by PWRDF for children, with stories, activities and faith connection. In this newly revised edition, you will find these same elements and more. Super Friends 11! focuses on Right Relationships and Reconciliation. Free to a maximum of 20 copies per parish, per year!

Warm for winter: PWRDF continues support for Ukrainians with disabilities

Founded in 2017 by a group of Ukrainian women with disabilities, PWRDF-partner, Fight for Right, seeks to provide support and improve health and safety for people living with disabilities in Ukraine. Winter is a particularly challenging time for Ukrainians with disabilities, as the season can bring freezing temperatures and harsh weather conditions including snow and ice. TEPLO aims to provide adequate clothing and other supplies needed to survive the winter for those in need.

Al-Ahli Hospital update

On October 7, 2023, as violence erupted in Gaza and Israel, PWRDF announced a $30,000 grant to support its long standing partner in Gaza, the Al-Ahli Arab Hospital, which is owned and operated by the Episcopal Diocese of Jerusalem.

Since then, as the war intensified, the hospital closed and reopened. In mid-December, due to the uncertainty of the hospital’s ability to offer medical services, PWRDF broadened its allocation of funds to include other needs in Gaza and the West Bank, as identified by the Diocese of Jerusalem. The diocese also oversees health facilities in the West Bank and in Israel, where needs have also intensified.

Al-Ahli continues to be in a grave situation. UN news reported on December 21 that, “At the moment, it's a place where people are waiting to die unless we are able to move them to a safer location where they can receive care.”

Please continue to pray for all people who are affected by the war, and for a peaceful and rapid resolution.

PWRDF Donor Relations Facilitator, Anslim Hameed, shows you how to use the new World of Gifts digital gift guide.

PWRDF World of Gifts keeps giving – all year long!

This year, thanks to a very generous donor, support for World of Gifts was matched up to $110,000. Through the generosity of PWRDF donors like you, that match was met in November! Your gifts will fund programs in Canada and around the world that alleviate poverty, promote sustainability, and support communities. Did you know that you can shop our World of Gifts items to support our partners all year round?

Shop our online gift guide 24/7!

EVENTS

January Praying with PWRDF

All are welcome to join our online parish. Hundreds have prayed with us from across Canada.

Join us January 11, 2024 at 1 p.m. ET – Robyn Sulkko, Youth Council Liaison with the Programs and Partnerships Team, will be our reflector at Praying with PWRDF.  

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 Coordinator, Suzanne Rumsey.

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 Jacqueline Tucci 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 still 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.