Dear Friend,

The past few months have been difficult as we have all been affected, in one way or another, by this pandemic. I hope that you and your loved ones are healthy and that you might be in a position to give to this year’s Bishop’s Action Appeal. Your gift will help those whose needs have grown so much during this time.

Thanks to your generous response to last year’s appeal, there has been significant progress in the construction of St. Catherine Girls Secondary School in rural Tanzania, which will provide a safe environment for girls to receive an education. Thanks to you, we were also able to provide bursaries for our Lay Readers, who offer vital ministry throughout our Diocese.

Our local missions need your support

As you might know, the pandemic has adversely affected the financial situation of the diocese. Yet, we are committed to support our three much-loved local missions that lift up the most vulnerable in our midst. I invite you to help the Diocese fulfill our commitment to:

The Mile End Community Mission: For most of their members, the pandemic has added a tremendous financial strain to already limited budgets and has left many feeling even more vulnerable and isolated than they were before. To answer the need, the mission has been providing free hot take-out meals, a weekly food bank service and grocery delivery.

Action Réfugiés Montréal: For some newcomers, huddling at home, not being able to work with children out of school, brought memories of their time in exile before coming to Canada. The situation has made it essential for staff at ARM to provide ongoing support to the people they serve.

Tyndale-St Georges Community Centre continues its commitment to the community of Little Burgundy. Focused on preventing isolation during the pandemic, the Centre is offering new outreach programs, including an online children’s library, remote family support and emergency food security.

Helping disabled children overseas

This year we are also asking you to support a special appeal in conjunction with the Compass Rose Society: the Princess Basma Hospital in Jerusalem. A project of the Anglican Diocese of Jerusalem, the Hospital provides rehabilitation and educational assistance for Palestinian children with disabilities. They are urgently appealing for our help to continue their vital work during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Unless you specify otherwise, half of your donation will go to Giving with Grace which funds projects at the national church level, including The Healing Fund, military chaplaincies, indigenous ministries and more.

With my thanks and every blessing,

The Rt. Rev. Mary Irwin-Gibson

P.S. Please give as generously as you can. Gifts of $25 or more are eligible for a tax receipt, which will be issued in February 2021.

download the letter here

Donate to the Bishops Action APpeal HERE