Last year your offering was instrumental in helping 840,000 individuals!
Because of YOUR help, ADRA Canada was able to respond to 30 Emergency disasters in 17 countries! We do not know when or where the next disaster will strike, but we DO KNOW it inevitably will. Today YOU can make a difference.
This offering will be picked up at Seventh-day Adventist Churches across Canada on May 11th 2013.
Why Wait? You can Help Now!
Download Disaster and Famine Relief Resources for your Church.
Download a copy of the above video (Right click and Save As – 12.1 MB)
$400,000 needed from ADRA supporters for $2.2m government grant for Rwanda
Oshawa, Ontario — The Canadian Government has awarded ADRA Canada a grant to improve the nutrition and incomes of 36,480 women, men and children worst hit by an increasingly harsh climate in a refugee and returnee area in eastern Rwanda. The 15-month project, valued at over $2.6 million requires ADRA Canada supporters to contribute $400,000.
The farmers in Gatsibo and Kayonza Districts, the project area, face prolonged droughts, unpredictable seasons, increased storms and heavy rains. There is also a lack of arable land and water for irrigation, and extreme degradation of environmental resources, particularly deforestation, and soil erosion and exhaustion.
Designed to improve family’s nutrition and resilience to harsh climate change, the project will introduce or strengthen activities such as:
• Kitchen permaculture gardening (which requires less water) coupled with nutrition education
• Protective agroforestry to avoid soil erosion, provide firewood and increase re-forestation
• Cooperative organic farming to provide produce year-round to eat or sell
• Cooperative tree plantation to reduce flood risks, extend soil moisture and protect crops
• Cooperative purchase of quality seeds
• Financial management, income generating skills, advocacy, literacy and leadership training to increase and strengthen vulnerable women in community decisions
“ADRA has been operating in this area for a long time with positive results,” stated Analynn Bruce, Program Director for ADRA Canada. “This new project will build on our past work in the area as it will also work closely with women enrolled in a literacy project,” Bruce explained. “When we talked to these women they said, ‘We thank ADRA for coming to help us. We cannot wait to work with ADRA. What we will learn together, we will pass on to our children.’”
In Rwanda, about 57% of the population live below the national poverty line. The population of Gatsibo and Kayonza is mostly Rwandans returning from the 1994 genocide after decades in refuge in neighbouring countries. The project will give particular attention to most vulnerable families headed by women, with children under five, with people living with HIV, AIDS or a disability, or with elderly people.
To support the families of Rwanda participating in this project,
please give online or by calling 1.888.274.ADRA (2372).
ADRA Canada is a Christian humanitarian agency that implements community development and disaster response programs in Canada and overseas. ADRA Canada works with people in poverty and distress to create just and positive change through empowering partnerships and responsible action.
What does this mean for ADRA Canada?
ADRA Canada responds to announcement of CIDA merger
The Canadian government announced on March 21st that the Canadian International Development Agency (CIDA) will become part of the new Department of Foreign Affairs, Trade, and Development.
ADRA Canada started its ministry serving the world’s poor in 1985, and from the beginning it has appreciated the support of CIDA.
CIDA grants, together with donations from thousands of our Canadians supporters, have sustained ADRA Canada’s development projects and humanitarian interventions benefitting millions in poor communities.
ADRA Canada is cautiously hopeful that this re-structuring will continue and strengthen Canada’s influence in helping the world’s poor. We also hope that government leaders will not let legitimate Canadian trade and economic interests take priority over the needs of those seeking to step out of poverty around the world.
ADRA Canada hopes that the current initiatives will bring a more comprehensive approach to international relations and development. Over forty years ago, Canadian Prime Minister Lester B. Pearson challenged developed countries to commit 0.7% of their GNP to alleviate global poverty, a goal later adopted by the United Nations. Unfortunately, our current budget provides for less than half of this. ADRA Canada calls for increased development and humanitarian aid, responsibly administered to improve the quality of life for the world’s poor.
The Adventist Development and Relief Agency’s (ADRA) worldwide network of offices appreciates the support of many governments and its agencies throughout Europe, North and South America, Asia and the Pacific. ADRA seeks to maximize the potential of this support to increase the impact and reach of its programming to those must vulnerable.
On its own behalf, and as a partner in the Canadian Foodgrains Bank, ADRA Canada looks forward to a productive relationship with the new Department of Foreign Affairs, Trade, and Development.
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It was her loneliest Christmas, but the help you gave made her happy.
For Lucita, it was the most unforgettable moment of her family’s life. The fresh memories of Typhoon Pablo haunt her every time it rains or the wind blows. Separated from her husband, Lucita is the sole supporter of four children. The effects of the typhoon forced her to send some of her children to family members because she could no longer meet their needs.
When asked about their experience during the surge of the typhoon that struck the Philippines just before Christmas last year, she almost cried as she shared her story.
“We were crying as strong winds smashed our house. We couldn’t leave our home fearing that we may be beheaded by the flying metal roofing sheets,’ Lucita described. Her home was among the thousands of houses in Baganga that were affected. Their house was destroyed. The walls collapsed after big trees
fell on it and the roof blew away. After the storm, they had nowhere to live.
“My husband visited us after the typhoon and he helped me try to rebuild part of our house,” says Lucita. They picked up the crumbled metal roofing sheers that were scattered nearby, recycling as many as possible to have protection from the rain. Now they have a roof on one small room where they all sleep, cook and live crowded together.
“Some of the store owners gave their rice that got wet when their stores were destroyed. Even though it was producing a foul odour due to being wet too long, we still had to eat it so that we could survive our hunger and cold,” she continued.
Many of her neighbours didn’t have food for several days because the government could not access their isolated areas. Communications were down. There was no electricity. Bridges were not passable. But neighbours still managed to help one another-including her “neighbours” from Canada.
ADRA Canada provided water supplies and helped 200 families with home repair supplies and kits. The ADRA network also responded to the needs of thousands of victims of the typhoon, bringing hope and showing God’s love. Lucita was one of the beneficiaries who received a food pack and two jerry cans for water. “I was so happy to receive it! It was my first time to have assistance. To all the donors I want to say thank you so much,” she happily expressed. As soon as Lucita returned home with her family’s food pack, her daughter quickly opened one can of food for their lunch.
The whole family will take time to recover, especially since they don’t have a source of livelihood. Many of them were traumatized. They will face the fear of another typhoon for years to come. “This is one of my loneliest Christmases, but still I’m happy for the help that you gave us,” she added.
Many other survivors have expressed the same sentiments as Lucita shared with ADRA. Their smiles full of joy and thanksgiving lifted our hearts and inspire us to do more of God’s work. Thank you, ADRA donors!
On ADRA Day, April 25, ADRA is launching the “LET’$ MAKE ¢HANGE” fundraiser for schools and churches across Canada. We hope your group will join in!
Kids are a big part of ADRA’s world. Every day, our supporters enable ADRA to create a brighter future for kids around the world—through providing water, food, health care or education opportunities.
Kids in Canada are important to ADRA, too. They do amazing things to help ADRA help other kids. We can’t wait to see what your group will do this year! It’ll be amazing, we’re sure. Will you join us?
We’ve prepared a kit of resources to make it easy for you to make change.
Feel free to download and make copies of the following resources for your classroom/group:
• Six Easy Steps to Make Change
• School Poster
• Classroom Poster
• Classroom Poster Cut-outs
• Letter to Parents/Guardians
• Summary Report
To order your coin boxes and copies of ADRA Canada’s Really Useful Gift Catalogue write to: StayInTouch@adra.ca or call 1-888-274-2372, Ext. 3102
You’ll probably agree: this statistic is not acceptable. But there is a way to help prevent these deaths, and to keep young Cambodian mothers healthy as well.
ADRA Canada and ADRA Cambodia have partnered on the Precious Lives Campaign in Cambodia. Your support of this project* now will help to:
Mao’s story
A number of years ago, a Cambodian woman named Mao brought her infant son to a hospital eight hours away. She was told he had a regular cold. A month later, her son was still sick. She then brought him to a local traditional healer, who could not help her. Tragically, her son died in her arms on the way home. Can you imagine this tragedy happening in your own family?
Today, Mao has another son—you can see them together here—but she thinks about the one she lost every day. She is being much more careful with her new child’s health. She does not want to lose him as well.
Please give online now to support the Precious Lives Campaign and help more women like Mao keep their young children safe and healthy.
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Click here to send a message or prayer to the people we are helping in Cambodia, as well as the staff of the Precious Lives Campaign.
● Build delivery rooms and waiting rooms at local clinics.
● Educate mothers, women of reproductive age and caregivers in health and wellness, reproductive health and caring for their sick children.
● Provide continuing education for healthcare providers in the fields of reproductive health and childhood illness.
● Provide nutritional education training for mothers of children under five, pregnant women and women of reproductive age to reduce disease and preventable illness.
The Canadian International Development Agency (CIDA) has already agreed to provide a 2 million dollar grant to this project—but ADRA Canada must also contribute $650,000.
This means your online gift now in support the campaign, will be matched 3:1 by CIDA!
View photos from the first year of the Precious Lives Campaign.
Please help us change the lives of Cambodian women and their babies, by making your online donation today.
In September we shared with you about the Southwest Monsoon that damaged homes, flooded communities and killed 95 people.
ADRA is still working to ensure those affected are able to meet their basic needs. Partnering with the Manitoba Council for International Development (MCIC), ADRA Canada has secured $20,500 to provide approximately 2000 families (10,000 individuals) with vouchers valued at $50 to purchase needed commodities from local grocery stores.
“Cash transfer vouchers provide beneficiaries with flexibility and empowerment to purchase items that meet their highest needs in the wake of this natural disaster,” says James Astleford, ADRA Canada Executive Director.
To date, ADRA has responded to the Southwest Monsoon disaster with two Cash Transfer Programs like a potable water project in partnership with GlobalMedic, a temporary shelter response, and construction of flood resistant deep wells.
Your contributions to ADRA have assisted over a million people in the Philippines since 2004. Thank you for making the ADRA Canada Emergency Response fund part of your annual giving!
Want to become a monthly donor and support life-saving work in developing countries? Visit www.adra.ca/donatenow or call 1-888-274-2372 and give the gift of security to those who need your support.
Would that hard-to-buy-for/has-everything person on your list love knowing their gift supports a mother with a safe place to deliver their infant? How about providing a child with a warm blanket to sleep under? Would they like to give a family a chicken to help in their household garden? What about provide agricultural training to parents so they can have nutritious food for their families and earn an income?
The ADRA Canada Really Useful Gift Catalogue makes giving a special gift easy.
Browse your copy of the ADRA Canada Really Useful Gift Catalogue, or take a look online at www.adra.ca/giftcatalogue, find a gift for that person that loves to give to others, ask for your gift card when you place your order, and give the card to your loved one, knowing that your gift is helping someone less fortunate.
This year’s catalogue has over 20 gifts that you can choose from, with prices from as little as $15!
A few of the exciting new gifts available in the 2012/2013 catalogue:
To view more gifts and make a purchase visit www.adra.ca/giftcatalogue
5 ways your Christmas Gifts can change a life…
- Gifts of Education: Because education helps people break the cycle of poverty, it is an integral component of many ADRA projects. Gifts of education include providing primary education to children; literacy, vocational and agricultural training, or small business management skills training to adults; developing community cooperatives; or sharing health and sanitation messages through community trainers.
- Gifts of Food: Millions of people who live hand-to-mouth often only need a few simple resources like quality seeds, appropriate tools, and water to become self-sufficient. In cooperation with community members, ADRA’s food projects seek solutions to food scarcity, malnutrition, poverty, and hunger.
- Gifts of Health & Water: ADRA takes steps, like providing clean water and basic health education, to assist communities with health concerns and high incidences of children dying from preventable causes. ADRA provides health services to communities by training traditional birth attendants, midwives and village health volunteers; educating people about HIV and AIDS; and constructing health centres.
- Gifts of Income Generation: Employment and financial services are often inaccessible to a large population in developing countries, particularly women and the rural poor. Recognizing the need for financial services in the developing world, ADRA implements income generation programs that promote community banking, provide opportunities for entrepreneurship and stimulate the regional economy. As a result, families can start small businesses to support their families and create savings to meet their needs in the future. Many ADRA agriculture programs result in additional income for families as they are able to sell surplus produce and by-products such as jams, jellies and preserves.
- Emergency & Relief Gifts: ADRA responds to disasters with food, water, shelter, clothing, and hygiene kits. ADRA often stays in ravaged communities to help rebuild. This may include reconstructing roads through Food-for-Work programs, installing new or improved water sources, rebuilding schools, or creating food security and income opportunities through agricultural training to farmers.
OSHAWA, On. — ADRA Canada has joined Canadian Foodgrains Bank, World Renew (formerly Christian Reformed World Relief Committee), the United Church of Canada, World Vision and 27 other non-profit organizations in a campaign asking the Canadian government to restore funding to the Canadian International Development Agency (CIDA).
Called Reverse the Cuts, the campaign was developed by RESULTS Canada, an organization “dedicated to ending extreme poverty through the commitment of passionate and engaged citizens.”
Launched October 17—the International Day for Poverty Eradication—the campaign calls on the Federal Government to reverse the $319 million cut to CIDA that was announced as part of the 2012 budget.
“Maintaining our engagement and support to developing countries is a moral obligation,” says Jean-François Tardif, Executive Director of RESULTS Canada. “Canada is one of the wealthiest countries in the world. We can afford this. It is a question of priorities.”
In the last two weeks, more than 1,000 Canadians have signed the Reverse the Cuts petition online and the number of participating groups has climbed to more than 30! It is now crucial that we continue to build momentum and ensure the voices of concerned citizens are heard in the lead-up to Budget 2013.
ADRA Canada has also joined with the Foodgrains Bank to support the Recipe to End Global Hunger postcard campaign, which is complimented by the Reverse the Cuts campaign.
Through the Recipe to End Global Hunger campaign, Canadians are invited to send a pre-printed postcard to the Prime Minister encouraging him to keep the needs of people who are hungry in mind when making decisions about how to allocate Canada’s resources. Postcards are being distributed with every receipt issued by ADRA Canada, but are also available by request to pr@adra.ca, subject line End Hunger Postcard. Order a supply and share at church or with friends.
For more information about the Reverse the Cuts campaign, go to www.ReverseTheCuts.ca or sign the petition now!
Help spread the word through your social reach:
Tweet: Canadian government budget cuts threaten lives. Sign the petition http://bit.ly/ReverseTheCutsPetition and RT this message #Reversethecuts #ADRAc
Facebook: An 8% budget cut for CIDA (the cost of one F-35 fighter jet to be purchased along with 64 others) is threatening the lives of people in developing communities. Since 1990, the number of children dying before age five has dropped from 12 million to 6.9 million. Development is making a difference! Tell everyone – we can afford to help. Sign the petition http://bit.ly/ReverseTheCutsPetition
May 12-31, 2013
If your ideal vacation destination includes blue skies so clear they almost hurt your eyes, awesome mountain ranges, ancient Inca ruins, delicious local cuisine, the chance to create your own chocolate bar from Peruvian cocoa beans, and a view of the southern hemisphere sky through a telescope, you won’t want to miss this trip of a lifetime!
Add opportunities to interact with new friends as you learn about international development, issues facing the poor in Peru, and the work of ADRA, and your ideal vacation becomes a rewarding and memorable ‘Trip With Purpose’!
Many families who live in the Peruvian highlands cook on stoves or fireplaces that have no chimney to vent smoke and particulate matter to the outdoors. When breathed into the lungs, the smoke and particulate can result in pneumonia, COPD, and asthma, especially among babies, teenagers and the elderly. (The amount of smoke exposure babies get from the open stoves is comparable to the amount they would get from smoking 3-5 cigarettes a day!)
On this trip you’ll learn how to construct smoke-free stoves using mud comprised of river sand, black soil, clay, Andean grass, water, and brown sugar. ADRA Peru teaches local people how to build these ecological stoves from start to finish and they’re thrilled that you’ll join them in the learning and building.
Every year, the Cusco region is affected by severe weather that includes extremely low temperatures, rain, floods, and mudslides. This Cold Wave has the worst effect on the most vulnerable; particularly children under five and the elderly. (More than 500 children and elderly people did not survive the 2011 Cold Wave.) You’ll join the ADRA team and help save lives by distributing warm Alpaca blankets to vulnerable highland families in advance of the 2013 Cold Wave.
The application deadline is February 4, 2013, so don’t delay! Call 1-888-274-2372 ext 3101 or go to http://connections.adra.ca/peru to apply today.