By Ian Ferrie

The Primate’s World Relief Development Fund (PWRDF) is the Anglican Church of Canada’s agency for both relief as well as sustainable development. This project, now more than 60 years old, is directed by Archbishop Fred Hiltz, primate of the Anglican Church in Canada.

Today’s world sees armed conflict, drought and natural disasters as almost daily events. PWRDF works, via the support of Anglican Parishes across Canada, to make human and financial support available in troubled areas at home and abroad. With partners around the world, PWRDF’s goal is to improve health, food security, education and livelihoods.

All too often we hear and read of horrors around the world, like those noted above. Some though, are caused by conflicting religious factions. The stories are heart-wrenching! And, in a caring and compassionate world, they wouldn’t happen. So what follows is a bit of a feel-good story as PWRDF and Kimberley people look beyond race and religion to try to help distant people improve their lives.

Here in BC, PWRDF looked to the fire-devastated community of Telegraph Creek in the north west corner of our province. Telegraph Creek is a remote town with one narrow road leading in and out.

It lost 27 buildings in the first 10 days of the wild-fire which raged in and around their community through August and September. The evacuation alert/order lasted 102 days and some residents are only just beginning to return to a town already suffering a housing shortage. That shortage was compounded by the fire losses. PWRDF donated $5,000 to support the difficult rebuilding efforts.

In Africa, food shortages and famine are a daily reality in many countries. Throughout November, at All Saints in Kimberley, parishioners and parish friends have been donating to “Buy the Farm.”

This PWRDF project partners with the program, “All Mothers and Children Count” in Mozambique, Uganda, Burundi and Tanzania. The goal was to raise $470 to ‘buy the farm’: one cow, one goat, two pigs, five sheep, 40 chickens, 20 guinea fowl, a 20 kg bag of seeds and farming tools.

The All Saints Parish has raised enough for one full farm plus 20 ducks and is very close to funding a 2nd farm. Through the magic of matching grants, each farm we fund turns into seven by the time it reaches its destination. The animals and supplies mentioned above can also be purchased in individual lots in amounts from $30 – $50, all multiplied by matching grants.

The livestock / farm project helps provide a regular source of protein through milk, eggs and meat. Any surplus food will allow a family to earn a living to pay for things such as mandatory school uniforms and tuition. A surplus can be re-invested into more animals or other income possibilities. Women also have the chance to take part in workshops related to the farming. A social bonus is improved gender equality in the home.

All Saints has the second farm in sight with additional supplies a clear possibility. We’re now in the sprint-to-the-finish as the project ends by December 16.

A mock-up farm sits at the front of All Saints. Children add farm animals and implements as goals are reached.

Lead image: Telegraph Creek, B.C. Regional District of Kitimat-Stikine photo

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