FaithLife Financial Members respond to Myanmar survivors’ needs
Cyclone Nargis survivors are witnessing faith in action through more than $44,000 in donations made by FaithLife Financial members to Canadian Lutheran World Relief (CLWR) and World Vision Canada.
CLWR Director of Communications Daranne Harris says the agency is pleased to be partnering with FaithLife Financial and is working hard to ensure the money goes directly toward rebuilding the nation that experienced its worst natural disaster on May 2-3. “Relief efforts are just the beginning as we look to rehabilitation and reconstruction that will meet the longer-term needs of people affected,” she says.
By mid-summer, 54 Lutheran Church Chapters had raised more than $25,000 with additional matching grants of about $13,000 and a $5,000 corporate donation. These gifts have helped CLWR, in co-operation with other ACT International (Action by Churches International) members, to provide more than 171,600 people with emergency relief items, water baskets, food through the UN World Food Program and health training for partner staff and volunteers.
“Our Chapter leaders and their congregations responded literally overnight to FaithLife Financial’s Myanmar matching grant program. It’s clear that as Christians you are living your values and putting your faith into action. We are overwhelmed by your generosity!” comments Anne Bruce, FaithLife Financial’s Manager, Fraternal and Community Programs.
Dave Toycen, president of World Vision Canada, recently reported from Myanmar where close to 600 World Vision staff are involved in relief work. While the first wave of aid has been distributed, says Toycen, there are several more hard months ahead.
He urges Canadians to continue helping create “a sustainable lifestyle once again for the people who have so bravely come through this terrible disaster.”
PHOTO CREDITS AND DESCRIPTIONS:
• Sunday School children at Good Shepherd Lutheran Church, in Brockville, Ont., used the colourful poster below to promote a Special Offering to help children in Myanmar. (first picture left)
• Reformation Lutheran Church, in Kitchener, Ont., sold helping hands and hotdogs for Myanmar relief promoted by an ad in the church bulletin. (second picture left)