www.pwrdf50.org/story/diocese-new-westminster-celebrate -
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Published on: 10/20/2009
Last Visited: 10/26/2009
Cheryl Curtis
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Next up was the keynote address from PWRDF Executive Director Cheryl Curtis, now in the fourth year of her tenure as the organizations principal lay leader.
Cheryl's primary message was to reinforce PWRDF's role as "agents of hope for Global justice" and as a "transforming presence connecting Anglicans around the world in dynamic partnerships.
She reminded those in attendance that PWRDF is a "professional organization" connected and respected throughout the international community where 90 percent of funds raised are delivered directly to the work of the recipient projects without going through agencies or acquiring added expense with expanded bureaucracy.
Cheryl also told stories of individuals and communities aided by PWRDF who in the face of tremendous challenge and adversity put the welfare, security and comfort of others first.
Cheryl also related the historic beginnings of the organization as members of the Anglican Church of Canada and others responded with unprecedented speed and generosity to the victims of the underground mine explosion in Springhill, Nova Scotia, October of 1958.
Inspired by that response, less than a year later the General Synod established the Primate's World Relief Fund as an agency to quickly channel assistance to areas in need in times of emergency.
In 1969 the name was changed to Primate's World Relief and Development Fund - PWRDF.
Cheryl reminded the audience that right that very minute, October 3rd, 2009 there are regions of the world (Indonesia, Samoa, The Philippines) being devastated by natural disasters and the need to get aid quickly to these areas has never been greater.
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Postcard from Africa: Cheryl Curtis, Executive Director