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"Generosity is the best way of becoming

more, more, and more joyful"

Archbishop Desmond Tutu, The Book of Joy

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Filled with the

Joy of Thanksgiving,

let us remember those whose Joy is still in need.

Support FaithWorks today.

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The following article from

our ministry partner,

AURA (Anglican United Refugee Alliance),

is an example of the work that your donation

 to FaithWorks supports.

Creating Communities of Compassion:

The Power of Refugee Sponsorship

In a world where more than 108 million individuals have been forced to leave their homes, including over 36 million classified as refugees, the urgency to extend compassion and support has never been greater. The Anglican United Refugee Alliance - AURA, plays a pivotal role in providing structure and guidance for those who wish to provide safety and refuge to some of the world's most marginalized and vulnerable people.

In 2022, AURA worked with 84 sponsoring groups, consisting of over 750 dedicated sponsors, who collectively spent over 60,000 hours supporting 323 refugees from 16 different countries. These numbers, however, tell only a fraction of the story. Each hour spent volunteering, every warm welcome extended, and every obstacle overcome represents a step towards a brighter future for those who have been forced to flee their homes.

As travel restrictions continue to ease in 2023 from the height of the pandemic, international movement is increasing, creating a surge of refugee newcomer arrivals. This is eagerly awaited news for sponsored refugee families who have been waiting in terrible conditions for their cases to be processed for years. By the end of August, 33 cases arrived, consisting of 94 people from 7 different countries. This marks a 50% increase over last year's total, and there are still 4 months remaining in 2023. Unfortunately, this surge of movement has also given rise, in part, to the many heart-breaking situations seen throughout the Diocese of refugees and migrants who arrive in Canada without the support and planning of refugee sponsorship.

Successful refugee sponsorship is not just about financial contributions; it is a collective endeavor that builds and develops connections of empathy and unity within our communities. Right now, there is an opportunity to make a tangible difference in the lives of displaced refugees. Refugee sponsorship is casting a net to create communities that foster a sense of belonging and acceptance that transcends language and culture.

It is a chance for individuals, parishes, and coalitions of communities to come together to create a world where compassion and understanding thrive, and every individual, regardless of their background, finds a place to call home.

In a world where division sometimes appears insurmountable, we have the power to work together and build bridges of compassion that span across oceans, cultures, and religions. When we work together our collective efforts offer hope and a brighter future for those who have been displaced from their homes.

How will your parish join in this work of extending hope and home? 

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FaithWorks Sermon or Presentation

To assist and inspire, you can arrange for a sermon, presentation or visit by representatives of our ministry partners, the Director of Stewardship Development, Peter Misiaszek, or me, by contacting the FaithWorks Speakers Bureau at

fwspeakersbureau@toronto.anglican.ca

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If you wish to highlight your Parish's events in support of FaithWorks, please forward the details to faithworks@toronto.anglican.ca

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FaithWorks Videos



The FaithWorks website, faithworks.ca has been updated with new videos to promote FaithWorks and our ministry partners. There are short, medium and long videos to include in your parish's online presence or in-person gatherings. They can be downloaded directly from the website.

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