Welcome to Update - June 2024

Working towards a truly just,

healthy and peaceful world.

In this update...

• June Voices of Hope/Voix d'espoir - Read about PWRDF's support for partner TSURO Trust in Zimbabwe

The latest PWRDF News...

• Archbishop calls for Refugee Sunday amid growing crisis
• ‘This water is life itself.’
•  Community connection restores Indigenous health
• Mapping exercise facilitators needed to promote truth and reconciliation

Plus resources and upcoming events

• Wild Ride 2024 - starts June 20!
• June Under the Sun - Available now
• Check out Super Friends 11

Learn about PWRDF's support for partner TSURO Trust in Zimbabwe.

Primate calls for Refugee Sunday amid growing crisis

PWRDF has a long history of supporting refugees. Refugee Sunday is a call to action and reflection, recognizing the ongoing global refugee crisis and the church's role in addressing it.

'This water is life itself.'

A 7.0-magnitude earthquake struck Abra, Philippines in July 2022, causing flash floods that devastated buildings and water systems, prompting relief efforts by PWRDF partner CorDis, with funding from the Canadian Embassy. With PWRDF's support, CorDis and local groups built four water systems by Spring 2023, providing clean water to 150 families and significantly improving daily life, especially for women.

Community connection restores Indigenous health

The Anamiewigummig Kenora Fellowship Centre in Kenora, Ontario, has been supporting Indigenous community members since the 1960s, addressing the impacts of colonization such as poor mental health and substance abuse. In 2023, the Centre received a $15,000 PWRDF Indigenous Responsive Grant, which funded programs promoting mental health, cultural support, and land-based teachings, including a sacred fire initiative that helps bridge relationships between Indigenous and non-Indigenous communities.

Mapping exercise facilitators needed to promote truth and reconciliation

PWRDF's Mapping the Ground We Stand On workshop will both mark its 10th anniversary next year, with the workshop available to explore Indigenous presence and settler impact in Canada. PWRDF is seeking new facilitators to join their team and lead workshops.

EVENTS

Praying with PWRDF - June

All are welcome to join our online parish. Hundreds have prayed with us from across Canada.

Join us June 13, 2024, at 1 p.m. ET – Our reflector will be Dorothy Russell-Patterson, Mohawk Nation, Six Nations of the Grand River, and member of the PWRDF Indigenous Program Advisory Committee.

June 20, 1 p.m. ET

Wild Ride Launch Webinar

The PWRDF Wild Ride returns from World Refugee Day, June 20, to Thanksgiving Day, October 14! PWRDF is marking 65 years of supporting refugees and internally displaced people. The Wild Ride is PWRDF’s peer-to-peer fundraising campaign that encourages people to bake, craft, run, walk, or read. You are invited to put your stamp on it by sharing your passion for a good cause. You can do an activity event or a challenge in a group or on your own to raise funds for PWRDF’s partners’ work with refugees and internally displaced people. 

Join us for the launch event on June 20 from 1 to 2:30 p.m. ET to learn what is in store for 2024.

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.

PWRDF coming to a church near you

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 Supporter Relations Program Officer, Abdi Ali.

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 PWRDF and tell us about it. Many thanks to all of our donors.

RESOURCES

Annual Report available in English and French

If you would like to order Annual Reports in either English or French, please email pwrdf@pwrdf.org.

Super Friends 11! Available now

Super Friends is a long-standing Social Justice resource produced by PWRDF for children, with stories, activities and faith connection. In this newly revised edition, you will find these same elements and more. Super Friends 11! focuses on Right Relationships and Reconciliation. Free to a maximum of 20 copies per parish, per year!

a just generation is a series of conversations with allies, educators and folks working to bring about equity and justice. 

Join Duncan Chalmers and Robyn Sulkko in conversation with PWRDF Humanitarian Response Coordinator Naba Gurung as they chat about how PWRDF responds to humanitarian crises and disasters in Canada.

PWRDF 2024 Annual Resources

PWRDF's Annual Resources will be available a little later than usual this year. You can expect the 2024 Annual Resources in the fall, along with many exciting updates from PWRDF. Stay tuned!

(left) This year's placemat includes children's activities and the Prayer for PWRDF on the reverse; (top right) the offering envelope and (bottom right) bulletin cover reflect the Let's Make a World of Difference theme.

Annual Resources for 2023 still available for ordering

PWRDF’s resources for 2023 focus on the overall work of PWRDF and partners around the world and extend an invitation: “Let's Make a World of Difference.” There are pieces to support a PWRDF Sunday, such as bulletin covers and offering envelopes, as well as our popular in memoriam and in honour cards for use anytime. These beautiful educational and informational resources unite us in prayer and action for the work of PWRDF and partners. Learn more about this year's resources and order for your parishes gatherings and services.