On the occasion of the Good Friday Fast, a number of people are preparing to raise funds in solidarity with Development and Peace so as to support our partners in Africa, Asia, Latin American and the Middle East. Hundreds of Canadians from all across the nation will be taking part. Fasting represents a symbolic choice in favour of solidarity with the poor, the oppressed, and the hungry, and provides a time-out to concentrate on what really matters.
"Do not be men and women of sadness: a Christian can never be sad! Never give way to discouragement! Ours is not a joy that comes from having many possessions, but from having encountered a Person: Jesus, from knowing that with Him we are never alone, even at difficult moments, even when our life’s journey comes up against problems and obstacles that seem insurmountable, and there are so many of them!"
- Pope Francis in homily delivered Palm Sunday Mass, March 24, 2013
Thus it’s a time to think about the Afghan preserves producer, the head of her own business, who can now provide for her family; about the Malian peasant farmer who has been able to protect his crops from drought by learning better ways to irrigate his land; and about the residents of La Oroya, Peru, who have been struggling for years to combat the effects of a US-owned smelter that sits along the fringes of the city.
Check out these images to see what your donations enable the least advantaged among us to accomplish. Thanks to your generosity, the house-building project in Haiti came into being this year. It could not have happened without your support. Please share this video with your networks. It speaks volumes about what we can achieve together.
It is not too late to start up your own personal fund-raising page!
Heartfelt thanks to all those from near and far who support the work of Development and Peace! Have a happy Good Friday Fast!