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.
2026
Jan – March – Disaster Resiliance in the Phllipines. $1,045 Donations will go towards working with 15,000 farming households to provide climate adaptation so that they will have food security. The Phillipines is subject to numerous tropical storms throughout the year claiming lives and damaging land.
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.
July – September – All Alongside Hope donations will be directed to the 2025 Grow Hope Project.
October – Solar Suitcases. These are bright yellow cases mounted to the interior wall of a health clinic and connected to a solar panel on the roof. The case contains power outlets for portable lights, a head lamp, a fetal Doppler and cell phone chargers. Medical attendants have the tools they need to support women through labor and delivery at night where there is no light. These are being used in Mozambique.