PWRDF supports Australian bushfire appeal

As Canadians watch the fires engulf Australia with no signs of abating, PWRDF has been in contact with our counterparts there: the Australian Board of Mission and Anglican Overseas Aid, both agencies of the Anglican Church of Australia and fellow members of the Anglican Alliance.

While the Australian government has pledged $2 billion in relief spending, Anglicans in Canada are still keen to support Australians dealing with this disaster. In consultation with both Anglican agencies, PWRDF is today announcing a $5,000 solidarity grant to be given to the Anglican Board of Mission’s bushfire appeal which has been set up to accept overseas donations. Those wishing to give to this cause may do so through PWRDF (see below).

Anglican Overseas Aid primarily focuses its funding on overseas relief and development work, but is now supporting the Melbourne Anglican Foundation Trust’s bushfire emergency relief fund, says Tim Hartley, Disaster Response and Resilience Coordinator for AOA. “This will provide relief and support to those in need across the Victorian dioceses impacted (currently this is predominantly in the north and eastern parts of the state). It’s important to stress that we’re only halfway through the bushfire season so we have a few more months to go – the emergency services, volunteers and communities have more trials ahead.”

How you can help

To donate to the Australian bushfire appeal, click pwrdf.org/give-today and choose Emergency Response. Or mail your cheque to PWRDF, 80 Hayden Street, 3rd floor, Toronto, M4Y 3G2 (indicating Australia appeal on the cheque) or call toll-free at 1-866-308-7973. Please do not leave credit card information on a voice mail.

You can also pray for the people affected by this disaster. The primate of Australia, Archbishop Philip Freier, has posted this prayer, adapted from A Prayer Book for Australia (Broughton Books, 1999):

All things look to you, O Lord,
to give them their food in due season:
look in mercy on your people,
and hear our prayer for those whose lives and possessions are threatened by fire.
Give protection and wisdom to fire fighters and other emergency service personnel.
Encourage our generosity to those who suffer loss.
In your mercy restore your creation and heal our land.
So guide and bless your people,
that we may enjoy the fruits of the earth
and give you thanks with grateful hearts,
through our Lord Jesus Christ. Amen.