St. John's Outreach
As a church we financially support Alongside Hope (formerly Primate's World Relief and Development Fund), a relief and development fund run by the national church. The money is used to further ongoing programs throughout the world, including some in indigenous communities in Canada. These projects include drilling wells, assisting small farmers with seed and livestock and providing start-up funding for cottage industries. When needed contributions are made for disaster and refugee relief. Our congregation contributes financially to the diocesan outreach organization FaithWorks which directs funding to programs that aid marginalized people.
In the recent past we have sponsored two refugee families; one from Iraq living in a camp in Syria, and the second from Liberia living in a camp in the Ivory Coast.
We also support local programs that minister to marginalized people in our community and in Peterborough (e.g., Millbrook Food Share, Street Hope, One City, One Roof Diner). This support is both financial and as volunteers.
In addition, a couple in our congregation operate a ministry in Belize that assists families and communities by financing children’s education, food programs and local agricultural initiatives. We also save pop cans for “The Can Man” who sells them for their value as aluminum. The money is donated to Sleeping Children of the World to buy bed kits.
What can I do to help?
Donations to the Humanitarian Coalition’s Venezuela Earthquake Response are now being matched by the Government of Canada.
The devastation continues in the wake of the deadly twin earthquakes that shook Venezuela, with the death toll mounting to at least 1,700 and nearly 3,000 injured. Rescue and recovery operations are continuing, amid dangerous conditions and aftershocks. Approximately 43,000 people are still missing.
In response to the crisis, the Government of Canada today announced it will match all donations made to the Humanitarian Coalition (HC) appeal between June 25 and July 14, up to $2 million. The HC comprises 12 leading Canadian aid agencies including the Canadian Foodgrains Bank, of which Alongside Hope is a member.
Alongside Hope is in regular contact with our partners the ACT Alliance, the Anglican Alliance and others who are assessing the situation and designing their response plans, which will focus on providing immediate relief by supporting families with food, shelter, household items and other basic needs. Venezuela was already facing economic hardship and struggling with the rising price of food. Nearly 8 million people were in need of humanitarian support. With this tragedy, millions more will be at greater risk of hunger.
Donations may be made through St John’s by envelope or by e-transfer (marked Venezuela Earthquake Response).
We ask that you please remember those in our neighbourhood having difficulties keeping food on the table by donating food items. Place any donations in the giant basket by the coatracks in the parish hall entrance. Donations support Millbrook Foodshare and the Omemee Food Bank.
