News Briefs: September 14, 2006
Lutherans ask Canadian government to reconsider aid to Augusta Victoria Hospital
The Evangelical Lutheran Church in Canada (ELCIC), with support from Canadian Lutheran Relief (CLWR), continues to advocate for immediate alternate funding to the Augusta Victoria Hospital after receiving a response to their April request addressed to the Minister of International Cooperation, the Honourable Josée Verner.
“It is critical that the government find a way to assist with this crisis,” said the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Canada (ELCIC)’s National Bishop Raymond Schultz. “If Augusta Victoria Hospital fails, there will be a major humanitarian disaster in the affected area.”
In addition to the initial US$60,000 contributed by the ELCIC and CLWR, individual supporters have donated in excess of US$9,000 to the ACT Emergency Appeal which is helping buy medical supplies and assisting with the costs of patient care so that Augusta Victoria Hospital can continue to provide essential medical services while long-term funding solutions are sought.
For more information on this issue please visit the “news” section of the ELCIC website: www.elcic.ca
- CLWR News Service
Chocolate that is sweet for everyone
Four Corners, CLWR’s alternative trade organization, has partnered with Fair Trade Manitoba to encourage more responsible fundraising in Manitoba schools.
For many years, students and community groups have raised money by going door to door, selling various chocolate products to friends, family and neighbours. Unfortunately, the suppliers of these chocolates are often companies that receive their chocolate largely from West Africa, where many of the workers on the cocoa plantations are children. These children often work long hours under strenuous conditions, are paid very little, and do not have a chance to go to school. Only a tiny fraction of the profit from the sale of this chocolate goes to the labourers who harvest the cocoa, making it difficult for cocoa farmers and workers already living in extreme poverty to support themselves and their families.
Introducing fair trade chocolate fundraisers into schools not only helps put a stop to child exploitation and provides a living wage, safe working conditions and educational opportunities to farmers, their families and their communities, but also helps youth become active global citizens. Students themselves will be able to educate others on these important issues and can make a difference to people around the world while raising money for their own cause. Now that is sweet!
For further information or any inquiries, please contact Bruce Rose, Program Administrator – Four Corners, at 1.800.661.2597.
- CLWR News Service
Learning to share the love of God
Sunday school is once again underway and interest in the “One Good Thing” children’s projects is high. “One Good Thing” aims to help young people see how they can make a difference in a world filled with so many problems and possibilities through simple acts of compassion. Nine-year-old Hannah Reisdorf says, “It only takes one good thing to make a whole lot of difference and that’s what God wants.”
Project ideas include protecting the environment in Peru, planting a tree in Bolivia, building a fish pond in India, caring for an HIV/AIDS patient in Mozambique, and educating a child in Zambia. Resource materials are geared towards Sunday school aged children and include background information on the situation, suggested learning activities, ways to raise support for the project, and a relevant prayer. This is a great addition to a regular curriculum and offers lots of potential for creativity!
If your congregation would like to learn more or order complimentary materials please call 1.800.661.2597 or email clwr@clwr.mb.ca
- CLWR News Service
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