In 1959, The Primate’s World Relief Fund was established by the Anglican General Synod. In 1969, the name of the organization was officially changed to The Primate’s World Relief and Development Fund. This Fund came into existence as a result of a terrible human tragedy in Canadian history. In 1958, in Springhill, Nova Scotia, there was an underground explosion in a coal mine, 174 men were in the mine when it collapsed, and 75 died as a result of the disaster. 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. PWRDF’s vision of a truly just, healthy, and peaceful world is one that can only be accomplished by bringing about change in the lives of everyone involved in its work.
Every year PWRDF responds to emergencies in Canada and around the world. Primarily, we allocate grants to appeals issued by the ACT Alliance, of which we are a member. ACT Alliance is an organization of 140 international Christian organizations working in areas of high need. When disaster happens, ACT is able to contact one of its members already in place and quickly get them funds for immediate necessities of life, such as water, sanitation, food and shelter. PWRDF also works with the Canadian Foodgrains Bank in this same capacity.
In addition to emergencies that arise, The Primate’s World Relief and Development Fund (PWRDF) is the Anglican Church of Canada’s agency for sustainable development and relief. With the support of Anglicans across Canada, PWRDF partners with organizations working to increase healthy pregnancies and births, reduce gender inequality, relieve hunger and break the cycle of poverty in the world’s most vulnerable communities. Against a backdrop of climate change, PWRDF strives to address the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals for 2030.
St. Thomas is an active contributor to PWRDF with congregation members donating monthly. These donations have at times been specified for emergencies such as the Fort McMurray Wildfires, the South Sudan Famine and Drought Emergency, Dorian Hurricane Relief Fund and Covid 19 Response, Ukraine Relief and Hurricane Fiona. In many instances these donations qualify for matching Government of Canada funds. These donations also support Programs around the world as listed below.
Alongside Hope (formerly PWRDF) This is organization is all about Partnerships with Organizations, Funding Agencies and Churchs and Dioceses. After almost two years of discussion and planning the committee approved the name change to Alongside Hope.
2025
Jan – March – Mishamikoweesh Water Project: $1,365 Donations will provide support to norther communities in Ontario and Manitoba to attain access to fresh and safe drinking water.
April – June – Send a Child to Camp: This project will provide funds to send a Ukrainian Child to Camp in the Carpathian Mountains. This is a safe place for those who have experiences loss, injury or displacement and will help them process their emotions and begin healing. All donations will be matched up to $250,000 by an anonymous donor.
2024
PWRDF 2024 – Total donations for the year including World of Gifts $7,565.00
Dec – 2024 – Buy the Whole Garden – $725.00. Donations will provide seeds and tools to farmers in five countries. Those are Zimbabwe, Uganda, Kenya, Tanzania and Columbia. One garden costs $390.
Nov 2024 – Fight for Right – Donations will help displaced disabled and handicapped people in Ukraine to provide then with essential supplies like warm clothing, power banks and heating units.
Oct 2024 – In Canada Emergency Fund – $525.00
July – Sept 2024 donations will be directed to the Grow Hope project for 2024. They will be deposited into our PWRDF account in the Canadian Foodgrains Bank and will be matched 1:4 by the Global Canada.
April – June 2024 – $2,150
Donations were directed to a project called “Buy the Whole Farm”. The cost of one farm is $615 and will support 9 food security projects in 8 different countries. We hope to collect enough to buy more than one farm. If you wish to donate please put Buy the Whole Farm in the memo line of your cheque or indicate in an E Transfer.
Jan – March 2024 donations – $1440
Funds were directed to the Al-Ahib Arab Hospital in Gaza. It is operated by the Episcopal Diocese of Jerusalem. The majority of cases are severe and need advanced care – therefore these donations will go towards securing more Doctors, equipment and supplies. If you wish to donate please put Gaza Emergency Fund in the memo line of your cheque.