Volunteers at St. Mark’s Church in Qualicum Beach cheered when they totalled up the contributions made on their Day of Giving to Ukraine on Sept. 9.
“In two hours, from 10 in the morning until noon, we collected $6,500,” said Ven. Elizabeth Northcott, priest at St. Mark’s. “We are grateful to our generous congregation, but more than that, people came over from the Farmer’s Market, from the neighbourhood, and from other organizations to give to the Ukrainian people. We thank them. Canadians have their own economic woes, but Qualicum Beach stands ready to come to the aid of people in Ukraine.”
Three candidates Qualicum Beach council came to support: Anne Skipsey, Petronella Vander Valk and Doreen Mackay-Dunn. MP Gord Johns also dropped by to contribute.
READ MORE: Ukrainian mother finds safety in Canada, but drawn back to homeland to help
Northcott said that additional donations from St. Mark’s congregation has boosted their total to more than $9,000. And it’s not over yet.
“We hope those who have not had a chance to donate will make a contribution,” said Northcott. “The shelling has been intense; winter is coming. Many Ukrainian neighbourhoods are severely damaged or stand with windows blown out. The Ukrainian people need our support.”
St. Mark’s campaign continues until Oct. 30. Funds will go to the Primate’s World Relief and Development Fund’s work in Ukraine.
The PWRDF is the Anglican Church of Canada’s agency for sustainable relief and development worldwide. It is working with two international organizations and four local Ukrainian organizations to help build and maintain refugee centres inside and outside Ukraine; and to give food, shelter and medical help to civilians in areas in of combat.
Cheques can be made out to PWRDF and dropped at the church office at 138 Hoylake Rd W. (entrance off Memorial), or contributions can be made online at bit.ly/StMarksPWRDF. All contributions are tax deductible.
— NEWS Staff