Journey for Hope, a national fundraiser for PWS&D’s food security work, took place this September as teams from Alberta, British Columbia and Ontario ‘stepped up’ their support. To date, $29,270 has been raised by the 11 teams participating, thanks to generous donations from friends, family and others in their communities.
For each team, the annual event took on its own unique character, best suited to the community. Whether walking, biking or doing another activity, all participants had one thing in common: a determination to make a difference in the lives of people for whom reliable access to food is a challenge.
While the official date for Journey for Hope was September 28, teams were creative and hold the event in the way that works best for them. In Victoria, B.C., the event took place over two Saturdays. On the first day of their event, volunteers from Together in Motion and Song stood with hymnals in hand, leading their community in song and sharing inspiring stories about the work of PWS&D. Then, on September 28 this team, which is made up of four congregations, participated alongside others throughout the country through walking and cycling.
“I know PWS&D as an organization,” shares the Rev. Laura Kavanagh, who helped organize the Victoria Journey for Hope, “I have complete trust in it and am happy to share it within church circles and widely within the world.”
In Elmira, Ont., cyclists rode over 20 kilometers for the cause, taking in the beautiful sights. Each year, the number of participants and the distance traveled by this team grows. All are excited to have exceeded their fundraising goal of $3,000.
In Nanaimo, B.C., the event takes place on a Sunday, so that children in the congregation can do their part as they ride around the parking lot following the morning service, before enjoying refreshments with the rest of their community.
Reaching out beyond the church community, Journey for Hope is a practical way for people to mobilize those around them to do something about the devastation they hear about around the world. “People are often looking for what they can do to make an impact,” reflects Laura, “Journey for Hope is one of those opportunities where I feel really comfortable asking beyond the congregation.”
For many, the partnership model is an additional draw to participate in Journey for Hope. Femmy Birks, from Knox Presbyterian Church in Waterloo, Ont., comments about her team, a collaboration of people from two area churches: “it has been great to be able to partner with St. Andrew’s [in Kitchener, Ont.].”
Laura reflects, too: “I think it’s nice to know that we’re all working towards one thing.” Given the famine conditions being experienced in places like Sudan, Yemen and Afghanistan, every effort made by Journey for Hope fundraisers is actually lifesaving.
