What we do
We support the Primate’s World Relief and Development fund in our congregations and through individual contributions. For more information about PWRDF please consult their website. We have a long connection with PWRDF as you will see in the second paragraph.
The Primate's World Relief and Development Fund (PWRDF) is the Anglican Church of Canada's agency for sustainable development, relief, refugees, and global justice. With the support of Anglican parishes across Canada, PWRDF makes financial and human resources available to support partners' initiatives and to promote knowledgeable actions of solidarity at home and around the world.
History
The Primate's Fund came into existence as a result of a terrible human tragedy in Canadian history. In 1958, in Springhill, Nova Scotia, 167 coal miners died underground after an explosion in the mine. The tragedy moved Anglicans and other Canadians to respond with assistance for the stricken families. As a result of this experience, the church recognized the need for an efficient process to channel assistance quickly in situations of emergency.
In 1959, the Primate's World Relief Fund was established by the General Synod. In 1969, the name of the organization was officially changed to The Primate's World Relief and Development Fund which reflected the agency's maturing program focus and philosophy. The newly renamed Primate's World Relief and Development Fund moved in the 1970s with a commitment to addressing long-term development needs and to working in partnership with local communities and organizations, donors and recipients.
At home Canadians were encouraged to engage in the issue of tackling injustice and upholding human rights. PWRDF co-ordinated a development education program for the whole Church in order to minimize the gap between donor and recipient. In this decade PWRDF has established strong programs and global partnerships. PWRDF strives to be a part of the outreach ministry of every Canadian Anglican parish. It serves to be an expression for all Anglicans of their baptismal covenant to strive for justice and peace by respecting the dignity of every human being.