Welcome to Update - March 2023 | |
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Working towards a truly just,
healthy and peaceful world.
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- Earthquake response in Syria/Türkiye
- As drought worsens in Kenya, food relief continues
- Honouring a legacy with an act of brotherly love
- World of Gifts keeps on giving
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Voices of Hope can be shared in English or French in your parish as a bulletin insert, read as an announcement, or included in an e-blast. This month read about PWRDF's support for Congolese refugees living in Tanzania. | |
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Earthquake donations matched | |
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One day after the 7.8-magnitude earthquake struck southeastern Türkiye on the Syrian border, PWRDF allocated $35,000 to the ACT Alliance to support an urgent response from its members working in Syria. PWRDF began accepting donations from people wanting to help and has so far received $88,825. We have also allocated $5,000 to the Diocese of Jerusalem, working in Northern Syria.
PWRDF also participated in the Humanitarian Coalition appeal, as a member of the Canadian Foodgrains Bank. Advocacy from the HC for a government match paid off, and on February 24, the Government of Canada announced that donations made to the HC appeal and its members would be matched up to $10 million. That means donations made to PWRDF between February 6 and 22 are eligible to be matched. The appeal raised more than $12 million.
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More food relief for drought-stricken Kenya | |
PWRDF has allocated $260,000, along with $250,000 from our Canadian Foodgrains Bank account, to support a three-month humanitarian response project in Kenya. The emergency food distribution will be implemented by Church World Service in Maikona and Korr/Ngurunit wards in Marsabit Count, where close to 90% of the people have been affected by drought. | |
Priest’s legacy honoured with an act of brotherly love | |
In 2009, two years after being appointed Rector of St. Matthew's Cathedral in Timmins, the Rev. Sharon Murdoch was diagnosed with Multiple System Atrophy, a disease that robs people of their ability to move or speak, yet keeps their intellect intact. When she died in 2021, Sharon left a legacy of love to the diocese of Moosonee and everyone she met. She also left a gift in her will to support PWRDF’s Indigenous programs, as well as other charities that were important to her. A year later, her brother Neil gave a gift to PWRDF’s Indigenous programs in her memory. | |
The World of Gifts keeps on giving! | |
Support our partners working to accompany refugees, improve food security and livelihoods, provide clean water, empower women and support Indigenous programs. | | | |
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March 8 – International Women's Day
The Government of Canada’s theme for International Women’s Day 2023 is Every Woman Counts. It’s a reminder that all women, from all ages and walks of life, have a place in every aspect of Canadian society, including in the economic, social and democratic spheres. Check out the educational and social media resources on their website.
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All are welcome to join our online parish. Hundreds have prayed with us from across Canada.
March 9, 1 p.m. ET – In honour of International Women's Day, PWRDF staffers Janice Biehn, Communications and Marketing Coordinator and Kim Umbach, Volunteer Coordinator, will reflect on women leaders and Praying with PWRDF.
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Thursday, March 23, 1 p.m. ET
Water and Climate Change
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March 22 is World Water Day. In this webinar, PWRDF's External Funding Program Manager Richard Librock will discuss the importance of water to all aspects of life. We will see examples of PWRDF’s partners’ work in climate change adaptation related to maintaining clean water for communities and healthy soil. Special guests include Josephine Kizza Aliddeki of St. Jude Family Projects in Uganda. | | |
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PWRDF coming to a church near you – virtually
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.
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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.
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Creation Care: Climate Action 2.2
Climate-change emergencies and women
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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. | | |
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PWRDF Lent resource: Subscribe today | |
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When the pandemic forced churches to close to public worship, PWRDF began gathering its volunteers and supporters from across Canada on Zoom. Praying with PWRDF was a way to stay connected to our partners and their work, as well as to each other. “Praying with PWRDF sustained me,” wrote one online parishioner.
This Lent, we present a collection of our favourite reflections from partners and volunteers, with music, videos, PWRDF stories and more. Subscribe to receive a daily message in your inbox at pwrdf.org/Lent2023.
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Give it up for the Earth!
This national faith-in-action campaign aims to raise awareness about climate change and mobilize Canadians to reduce their greenhouse gas emissions, engage in acts of solidarity, and collect signatures to support increased federal government action. This Lent campaign runs from February 22 to April 6 and is organized by Citizens for Public Justice in collaboration with For the Love of Creation.
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a just generation is a series of conversations with allies, educators and folks working to bring about equity and justice. | |
Join Youth Council member Clare Urquhart and former Youth Council member Jessica Steele in conversation with Director for Gender Justice, Anglican Communion Office, Mandy Marshall, as they explore the intersection between climate justice and gender justice. | | |
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Super Friends is a PWRDF Social Justice resource produced for children ages 6-12, with stories, activities and faith connection. Order copies of Super Friends10! for the young people in your parish or community. | |
Annual Report available in English and French | The 2021-2022 Annual Report was included in the November Anglican Journal. New this year, our Annual Report is also available in 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]. | |
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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.
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This spring we will be updating our annual resources! Stay tuned for more information. Our current Climate Action bulletin inserts highlight how PWRDF partners are improving food security and health, empowering women and Indigenous communities, responding to emergencies, accompanying refugees and displaced people and engaging youth. | | | | |
