Contributed Story

“From Cookies to Champagne” is an initiative of PWRDF to mark the 50th Anniversary and encourages ecclesiastical provinces to engage in 50 activities to celebrate, raise awareness about or raise money for PWRDF. In the Diocese of Western Newfoundland, it might well be called “From Pennies to Pies”.

During the 50th anniversary year of PWRDF, the Church of the Good Shepherd in Calgary, AB set up a display to bring environmental attention to the need for clean water in the world. A large water container was set up in the narthex with photos and statistics about water (eg. There are 884 million people in the world without a safe water supply and unsafe drinking water is a leading cause of death in children under five.) People bring their change, rolled pennies and other coins to deposit.

Anne Walling, PWRDF Coordinator Diocese of Fredericton

Action By Churches Together

People buried alive when houses collapsed

The Art of Sharing

By Dale Cook

Have you ever wondered if you have a gift worth sharing? Do you paint, write, sing?

Why do some have so much while others have nothing? I have a friend who taught me a wonderful lesson - We should not give to others who have nothing - we should share. It is more respectful.

With this in mind, I am using my gift - painting. In December 2009, I will host an exhibit/sale of paintings based on photos that friends have taken over the years during their trips to Ethiopia, Sri Lanka, Kenya, Bangladesh and more.

Saturday, October 3rd, 2009 was a beautiful early Fall day and St. Philip's Dunbar an ideal setting for the Diocese of New Westminster's celebration of the Anglican Church of Canada's international outreach organization, Primate's World Relief and Development Fund's 50th Anniversary Fundraising Dinner.

Following a very convivial cocktail hour Bishop Michael began the "sit-down" portion of the event with prayer followed by grace. The bishop also served as Master of Ceremonies for the evening.

On the last Saturday in September, Anglicans from across the diocese of Niagara joined together to celebrate the 50th anniversary of The Primate’s World Relief and Development Fund at St John’s, Ancaster. Bishop Michael Bird presided over the liturgy which included wonderful music by the St. Christopher’s Guitar Group, and stories of PWRDF partners.

Banquet aims to raise $50,000 for church’s relief and development work

Submitted by Kevin Dixon

This autumn marks the 50th anniversary of the Primate’s World Relief and Development Fund (PWRDF), and there’s going to be a party to celebrate it on Saturday, October 3 at St. Philip’s Church, 3737 W. 27th Ave., Vancouver. We will begin with a no host bar at 6:30 p.m. with the dinner to begin at 7:00 p.m.

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.