On November 15, Churches in the Diocese of Charlottetown will take up a collection to fund the more than 100 development projects of Development and Peace-Caritas Canada in Africa, Asia, Latin America and the Middle East. The collection, postponed from the 5th Sunday of Lent because of the COVID-19, left the organization with a shortage of funds that threatens the continuity of its programs.
While the COVID-19 pandemic touches all countries and peoples in the world, some are suffering more severely than others, especially informal workers, migrants, refugees, women, and displaced persons. “This situation challenges us to work harder than ever to transform the great inequalities and injustices in the world and address the urgent impacts of COVID-19 especially increased hunger,” states Mary Boyd, Chair of the Diocesan Council.
Conflicts have increased in countries such as the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Yemen forcing 660,000 people to flee their homes between March 23rd and May 15th. As well, the pandemic has created conditions for non-state groups, terrorist actors and some authoritarian governments to abuse their power, violate human rights and undermine fundamental freedoms. Development and Peace-Caritas Canada works among the world’s most vulnerable who are experiencing hardships. The very significant loss of revenue due to the pandemic is putting at risk the organization’s support for many important programs.
The organization remains committed to its work in the Global South and doesn’t send paid staff from Canada. It relies on the commitment and expertise of its partner organizations to carry out the work of transformation. These local partners are always at the heart of the action which includes efforts to contain the pandemic and foster recovery. Socio-economic activities need to be maintained as well as human rights and ongoing humanitarian support, in countries such as Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Brazil – with special focus on the Amazon – Ecuador, Haiti, Lebanon, Philippines, Sierra Leone, Somalia and Syria. Now more than ever the people of the Global South need our solidarity as they carry on their work and fight the added challenges of COVID-19.
The COVID-19 has highlighted the interdependence of the human family and the need to build a sustainable world of dignity. It exposes the need to build local communities to have access to food sovereignty, information, jobs, healthcare, inclusive public policies, control over natural resources and more. By donating to Development and Peace and becoming involved in solidarity issues we help the communities to be better equipped to face the climate crisis, the refugee crisis, the hunger crisis and the poverty crisis.
For further information, contact Mary Boyd, 902-388-2693.
For this collection please use the 2020 “Share Lent Envelopes” in your Sunday Envelope Boxes or the Special Collection Envelopes that will be distributed in churches this weekend. Thank You!