The smell of Samosas, the sounds of Bollywood, and the sights of saris and Bhangra dancers leaping into the air greeted a hundred guests at St. Alban’s in Richmond on April 21st. The occasion was an Evening in South Asia, a PWRDF fundraiser and a joint venture between the parishes of St. Anne and St. Alban. On hand to raise awareness of the projects being sponsored in Bangladesh, India, and Sri Lanka was guest speaker and PWRDF executive director, Adele Finney. Having just returned from the Indian Sub-continent, Ms. Finney spoke to the guests about the people and the projects that are helped by the Primate’s Relief and Development Fund. OfFer is one of these projects which as a partner has received PWRDF funding for 29 years reaching out to Tamil refugees who fled Sri Lanka and settled in Southern India. Now that peace has come to Sri Lanka, the refugees are being assisted in resettling back in their former homeland.
Guests from throughout the diocese learned more about this important Canadian Anglican outreach thanks to the posters and brochures that PWRDF Unit Chair Peter Goodwin provided. Also at the head table with Adele and Peter were Reverend Margaret Cornish of St. Alban and Reverend Brian Vicars of St. Anne. The evening raised almost $3000 thanks to a full house, ticket sales and the multitude of prizes generously donated by parishioners and Richmond businesses.PWRDF reps, Eric Hanson and Chris Waddell worked with their organizing committee for months and teamed up with a small army of volunteers decorating, cooking a 12 dish curry buffet, and doing all the other tasks that are needed to undertake such an ambitious venture. Hanson said it was just one of the first joint ventures between the two parishes, a result of the MAP (Ministry Assessment Process) which may lead to more joint ventures. “We were really thrilled that it was full house and everyone seemed to enjoy the food and fellowship, as well as the evening’s entertaining and informative agenda. Not only are we enjoying working with our fellow Richmond Anglicans, we are helping our neighbours in South Asia, and as a result, we are helping ourselves to be better Christians.” Hanson adds that his PWRD Committee is already planning next year’s dinner, an Enchanting Evening in Latin America. Consider yourself, invited!
Images: Top, Bhangra Dancers. Below: PWRDF Executive Director, Adele Finney greets Christ Church Cathedral PWRDF reps, Shirley and Graham Rawlings. PHOTOS: Camera One Photography, Larry Scherban