A PWRDF Anniversary Celebration in Toronto
October 30 was an evening of celebration, inspiration and music as PWRDF diocesan reps, youth council members, board members, partners, staff and guests gathered to mark the 50th anniversary of The Primate’s World Relief and Development Fund.
The Right Honourable Adrienne Clarkson, former Governor General of Canada, spoke to the group about her family’s experiences as newcomers to Canada, and about the importance of the church offering assistance and support to refugees. Madame Clarkson expressed gratitude for the welcome that her family received, and offered words of inspiration.
A highlight of the event was a presentation by The Right Reverend Philip Poole, on behalf of the diocese of Toronto, of a special donation in the amount of $10,000.00 in honour of PWRDF’s anniversary. This extraordinary gift will support PWRDF partners in Canada and around the world who engage in long term development, respond to emergencies, protect refugees, and educate and advocate for change
Entertainment was provided by Julie Crochetiere, one of the artists featured on PWRDF’s One Voice CD. Julie donated the song “A Better Place”, the title track from her CD, to the PWRDF fundraising CD.
The evening closed with more words of inspiration, through the viewing of a DVD featuring Archbishop Fred Hiltz, Archbishop Desmond Tutu, and greetings from PWRDF partners in Canada and around the world. In the words of Archbishop Tutu, “Heartiest congratulations on the golden anniversary of a fantastic instrument for God, an instrument for good in the hands of God, and thank so very much, you wonderful fellow Anglicans in Canada, for your extraordinary generosity over these many years.”
To read more about this event and PWRDF's diocesan leadership forum and Annual General Meeting, click here