fundraising

18 days, 1300 kilometers, a 50th anniversary, a bike named Olive, and a dedicated PWRDF staff member. These are the ingredients for “Le Tour de PWRDF,” an awareness and fundraising bike ride being planned by Suzanne Rumsey, PWRDF’s Public Engagement Coordinator. Her ride will mark the official closing of PWRDF’s 50th anniversary celebrations at General Synod in Halifax this June.

This Christmas give yourself and your loved ones the gift of music. One Voice is a double CD set of inspiration and celebration, featuring many well known Canadian singers, songwriters, musicians and choirs.

PWRDF is launching a fun and exciting new initiative for parishes and dioceses to celebrate its 50th anniversary. "From Cookies to Champagne: 50 CAFE Events" will encourage and engage parishes in their ministry of outreach and social justice.

On Sunday, June 7th the youth of St. Michael and All Angels Cathedral in Kelowna held a Sunday Sundae. After a PWRDF presentation and eduction about refugees, the youth group members chose to have an ice cream Sunday to support the St. Mark's, Kalso refugee family sponsorship. Their efforts resulted in a spirited Sunday morning coffee hour as well as raising $240.00 to send to the parish of St. Mark's. The St. Michael's youth would like to challenge other youth groups to deepen their engagement through eduction and action and support this refugee family sponsorship.

The "Songs and Stories of Hope" concert held at St Paul's Church, Charlottetown on June 6, was by all reports a huge success. Over 130 people enjoyed a piano and stories blend presented by Tim Elliott and Judy Maddren, and an amazing $1400.00 was raised for PWRDF partners. View photos

Below is a message from Cheryl Curtis, PWRDF Executive Director, written for the occasion.

By Anne Walling, PWRDF diocesan rep, Fredericton

“The Art of Sharing” is a wonderful project that inspires “giving.” Rev Marian Lucas-Jefferies gives an inspirational sermon about the work of the Canadian Foodgrains Bank and Dale Cook is inspired to help them with their life saving work.

She didn’t look a day over 19, but Barbie, the Mattel creation that has sold a billion copies since 1959, celebrated her 50th birthday with a tea party in honour of PWRDF.

Parishioners at St. Luke’s Anglican Church in Kingston, Ontario made Barbie cakes –the round “skirts” covered in pastel icing, topped by a Barbie torso – for the occasion. Others contributed an array of Barbie and Ken dolls, siblings, friends and accoutrements to put on display.