This year, 11 teams hailing from three provinces took action against food insecurity by raising awareness and funds for PWS&D’s critical food security programs through PWS&D’s annual Journey for Hope event.
The fundraiser involved various activities, including cycling, running, walking, a soup lunch and more. Each team tackled their chosen challenge. Dedication and a sense of purpose quickly attracted the support of individuals, congregations and the broader community, encouraging people to open their hearts and turn their passion into a force for change. Journey for Hope raised an impressive $27,000 – 35% over our initial goal!
Victoria Banfield, team captain of Team Lightning Bolt of Markham, Ontario, shares, “Team Lightning Bolt was thrilled to be able to participate in J4H again this year. As a team, we have been riding and walking to raise funds for PWS&D since 2016, and we feel blessed to be able to continue to bring attention to important causes affecting those most in need. This year, our friends and family supported us so that we could bring the total we have raised [as a team], in 7 years, to over $25,000. We really appreciate having the chance to help others in a tangible way. We love supporting PWS&D, knowing how hard they are working to bring about a just and equitable world.”
Hearts for the Hungry at Trinity Presbyterian Church in Campbell River, British Columbia hosted a luncheon as an opportunity for fellowship and to raise awareness about food insecurity. Team captain Anne Kerr shares, “Members of the congregation volunteered to make soup and a local grocery store donated buns. Display boards were set up with information on different types of help given throughout the world, depending on circumstances.” She adds, “Our team webpage had been set up with a goal of $1,500. As this was our first year hosting this event, we had no idea how well the congregation would respond. Trinity has always been a mission-minded congregation, but it excelled itself this time around. Over $4,100 was raised.”
The need is urgent
Food security is an essential human right, yet a significant portion of the global population is food insecure, without access to high-quality and sufficient nourishment. Food related humanitarian crises are exacerbated by conflict and extreme climate conditions. In addition, this issue substantially impacts women and girls, who comprise 60 percent of those grappling with hunger worldwide. When women are deprived of access to proper nutrition, the implications are severe, resulting in elevated maternal and infant mortality rates.
Your participation and support for Journey for Hope enables PWS&D to actively respond to hunger through food security projects in places like Haiti, Guatemala and Malawi. Funds also help provide emergency food assistance in countries that are extremely vulnerable, including Afghanistan, Yemen, Syria, Somalia, South Sudan and Ethiopia.
Thank you for your unwavering support. We hope you’ll join us next year!
