Emergency Response

August 17, 2007

The United Church of Canada is continuing to monitor the flood crisis in Asia, in particular in the countries of Bangladesh, Nepal, China, India, and North Korea. We are taking direction from partners in the region and from Action by Churches Together*, a global alliance of churches and related agencies working to save lives and support communities in emergencies worldwide. Our most recent grant from the Emergency Response Fund for the flood-affected area was for $5,000 and was sent to Amity Foundation, a United Church partner in China.

How United Church Members Can Help

• Pray: From the General Council Office, our thoughts and prayers go out to our Asian sisters and brothers who have been so terribly affected by the floods. United Church members across Canada are also urged to pray for the people who live in the many affected communities and, in particular, those who have lost loved ones, friends, and property.
• Learn more: Visit the Action by Churches Together* website to stay abreast of ACT’s energetic efforts to respond to the floods. The United Church is a member of ACT.
• Donate: If you wish to make a donation, funds collected will be shared directly with United Church partners in Peru or with ACT. Cheques or an online donation should be made payable to The United Church of Canada and marked "Asian Floods." The funds will be regarded as supragifts.

Please note: Supragifts cannot be counted as M&S Fund credits. However, they are eligible for tax receipts. Congregational treasurers may receive and write receipts for individual cheques and then forward one congregational cheque to the United Church.

For more information on the situation in China or North Korea contact:

Josie Forcadilla
Program Assistance, Asia and the Pacific
Justice, Global and Ecumenical Relations Unit (JGER)
Tel: 416-231-5931 ext. 4041
Toll-free: 1-800-268-3781 ext. 4041
E-mail: Josie Forcadilla

For other general information about the United Church's emergency response contact:

Gary Kenny
Program Coordinator for Emergency Response
Justice, Global and Ecumenical Relations Unit
Tel: 416-231-7680 ext. 4051
Toll-free: 1-800-268-3781 ext. 4051
E-mail: Gary Kenny