The Primate's World Relief and Development Fund started as a humanitarian relief response in the aftermath of the Springhill Mine disaster in Nova Scotia in 1958. It has since evolved to be a response by Canadian Anglicans to the gospel call to bear witness to God's healing love in a broken world. Inspired by the vision of a spirit-filled community of hope, PWRDF walks together with partners in Canada and overseas, to share in the creation of a more just and peaceful world. 

PWRDF is active in approximately 30 countries, including Canada, with partners drawn from Anglican churches, ecumenical organizations, and community-based groups. It supports people-centred development that improves the quality of daily life for vulnerable populations, promotes self-reliance, and addresses root causes of poverty and injustice. The work is bound together in three themes: Weaving a Culture of Peace with Justice, Building a Moral Economy, and Accompanying Communities in Crisis.

PWRDF's fundraising is cost effective and responsible. It has a low administrative overhead. In the year ended March 31, 2006, the Fund had total operating expenses of $6.7 million of which $572,403 (8.55%) was spent on fundraising and general administration. This is well within the accepted cost parameters for charitable fundraising.

Qu'Appelle has an active PWRDF Committee of seven members drawn mainly from Regina and points east. Pam Speir joined the committee briefly but was unable to continue because of family, work, travel and time commitments. We would like to find at least one more member from the western part of the province. 

Qu'Appelle is also active in sponsorship of refugees with leadership from Ralph Paragg and Carlos Roberts. All Saints, Regina keeps a refugee fund which provides resources in case of emergency. As a matter of policy only persons who are recognized by the UN High Commission for Refugees (UNHCR) and have family in the Regina area who agree to take on responsibility for food, clothing, shelter and related matters are considered for sponsorship. However, much of the work at present is done by a very few dedicated people with resources from barely a handful of parishes. If we are truly to uphold ministry to refugees, we need more engagement by parishes across the diocese to ensure this highly important work has enough people and resources to carry on effectively.

In May 2006, PWRDF sponsored Heather McAllister's attendance at the Advocacy Justice Camp held in Ottawa. The Justice Camp initiative is a response by the national EcoJustice Committee to the strategic framework, "Strengthening the Church, Serving the World" adopted by General Synod in 2004, which called for stronger leadership development and increased youth involvement. The first Justice Camp was held in Manitoba in 2005 and focused on food and food production. The next will be held in Victoria, BC, May 13-19, 2007 and will focus on ecology. It is a richly rewarding experience for people who attend. More information can be found at www.justicecamp.org. 

The Diocesan Committee organized a workshop for parish representatives in September 2006 that drew 20 people. Beth Baskin, PWRDF's Public Engagement Coordinator, outlined the history of PWRDF and spoke about current work. Dick Peters, Kairos Regional Representative, described what Kairos is and does and how PWRDF links to it. Ralph Paragg provided an understanding of what is involved in the refugee sponsorship process and why it takes so long. The day concluded with a celebration of the Eucharist with Bishop Greg and commissioning of the attendees for their continuing work for PWRDF in this diocese. We plan to hold similar workshops on an annual basis.

Looking forward to 2007, we need to keep the Primate's Fund front and centre in our parishes and congregations. As one of the Anglican Church of Canada's main outreach arms it needs constant support and nurture. The emphasis on collecting funds in support of the work is undeniable and necessary. But it can also be dispiriting for some of our parish representatives especially when they find themselves investing time and energy for no apparent return. Please remember PWRDF when you are making decisions about which charities you will support.

I urge all parishes to keep PWRDF front and centre and to make space for a PWRDF Sunday at least once a year. The Diocesan Committee will be happy to provide support such as materials or speakers. If your parish is not on the PWRDF Offering Envelope Program, please consider it. When you first join, PWRDF will subsidize your envelope costs for the first two years. It is also a way of spreading our message to parishioners.

I would also urge everyone to become involved with PWRDF, to expect to be informed, to ask what we are doing, and to embrace the opportunities that your parish representatives and Diocesan Committee bring to you. If anyone wishes to join us in this ministry, we will welcome you with open arms.

In March 2007, PWRDF is sending a mission team to Mexico to meet with our partners in that country who are working in the field of women's rights and promotion of human justice issues in indigenous communities. I am excited to have been invited to be a delegate on that team. We will begin in Mexico City and Chiapas state and continue in northern Mexico visiting communities close to the US border. I hope to return with first-hand knowledge to share with our parishes that will help build understanding of what PWRDF does and the responsibility God places on us to fulfill our baptismal promises.

Finally, there is the AIDS challenge. Which Bishop will be next? Bishop Rodney Andrews raised more than $50,000 driving a tractor across the Prairies in Saskatoon. Bishop Claude Miller raised more than $50,000 walking his Diocese in New Brunswick. Who will be the next Bishop to take up the challenge to raise money for AIDS in the world? Will he/she swim, paddle, canoe, read, write or dance? ?We should challenge our Bishop and ourselves! It's important to be involved. We can all make a difference.

Respectfully submitted,
Basil Pogue, PWRDF Diocesan Representative
Committee members: Ron de la Hey, Chair & Diocesan Representative, (to February 2006); Basil Pogue, Member (2004-2006), Chair & Diocesan Representative (February 2006-present); Ralph Paragg, Diocesan Refugee Coordinator; Carlos Roberts, Diocesan Clergy Representative, (2004-present); Camille Adams, John Gardner, Linda Kort, Heather McAllister, (May 2006-present),Pam Speir, (May-October 2006).