CRWRF has been enabled to respond to funding requests from developing world countries over the past 40 years due to strong Christian stewardship within our churches. Many individuals continue to share their time, their treasures and their talents to address global poverty through the CRWRF. Here are a few ideas to help those who want to raise global awareness within their family or church, or would like to participate in fundraising...
A Loaf of Bread:
For years families have encouraged their children to deposit the cost of a "loaf of bread" in the CRWRF weekly door collection. Parents use this opportunity to teach their children that one of the consequences of sin in the world is poverty and the unequal distribution of resources like food. Christians are called to seek justice, and where God has abundantly provided to share with those in need. Families teach their children not to be overwhelmed with world need, but to pray, give what they are able and trust God to multiply these gifts to meet needs.
Special Events and Sponsorship:
Schools, study societies, and families often ask us for ideas on how to promote reflection about global poverty and how to encourage people in their group to share with others in need. Be creative as you design activities to raise awareness. For some ideas of what you could do:
walkathon, bike race, sports competition
car wash, service auction, bake sale, dessert night
24-hour fast to raise money for world poverty.
simulate a refugee camp setting to reflect on the daily struggles of millions of refugees
distribute specially marked jars to the people in your group who are committed to "fast" from some luxury purchase for a month and collect this money towards world poverty (i.e. coffee shop or fast food purchase, pop & chips, entertainment, desserts)
get sponsors contributions for world hunger for each hour your group volunteers a local food bank
Include the following elements in whatever group event you are planning:
Read and reflect on scripture relating to God's special concern for the poor. Some scripture verses you might choose for the theme of your event are: Micah 6:8, Proverbs 31:9. Amos 5:24, Psalm 65:9, Psalm 104:13-14, Isaiah 58:6, Isaiah 58:10, Matthew 25:35, James 2:18.
Be informed about the project, the problems, and the special difficulties of the work. Feel free to contact us for the most recent project update.
Learn about best practices of Christian Relief and Development work. Click here to see CRWRF's best practices. Become informed about the reasons why people are poor, and some of the difficulties in overcoming these obstacles. For recommendations on available poverty educational resources or to arrange for a speaker feel free to contact us.
Make a personal long term plan to be part of the solution. Your decision may include a commitment to be faithful prayer for a certain project or issue, help a refugee adapt to life in Canada, or appreciate the beauty and diversity of the different cultures our Lord has created by attending a multicultural celebration, or listening to a lecture by someone of anther cultural background. You may decide to raise funds for AIDS orphans yearly with your bible study society. Others have made changes in their lifestyles to promote greater justice to the poor by purchasing fair trade items, or living more simply to free up more resources to help others.
And finally, if you are looking for sponsorship sheets for your fund-raising event, click here to download our sample CRWRF sponsorship sheet in pdf format.
