***UPDATE as of April 1, 2019: The Government of Canada has announced that donations designated to Cyclone Idai will be matched until April 14.
The Evangelical Lutheran Church in Canada (ELCIC), through our partner Canadian Lutheran World Relief (CLWR), calls on its members to respond through prayer and financial aid in support of relief efforts in Mozambique, Zimbabwe, and Malawi following the devastation of Cyclone Idai. The powerful storm, which made landfall in Mozambique on March 15, killed at least 750 people and has left hundreds of thousands displaced from their homes.
“We pray for all those affected by Cyclone Idai,” says ELCIC National Bishop Susan C. Johnson. “We pray for the people of Mozambique, Malawi and Zimbabwe, for the dead, the injured, the displaced, and all who mourn the effects of Cyclone Idai. We pray for generous support of all who will work to bring relief and aid.”
Needs have only increased in the days since the storm. Damaged infrastructure is complicating humanitarian efforts and damaged water systems are intensifying the risk of waterborne illnesses like cholera. Children are particularly vulnerable and many have been separated from their families.
CLWR is responding to relief efforts through its partnership in the Humanitarian Coalition, a national coalition that will raise funds to support a quick and effective response to the crisis. Donations received by CLWR will support response through ACT Alliance, which includes organizations on the ground in all three affected countries who are well-positioned to deliver immediate response.
As part of the ELCIC’s Disaster Response Fund, $5,000 will be forwarded immediately to CLWR to assist with relief efforts.
Individuals and congregations wishing to support relief efforts can donate as follows:
* Make a designated offering donation for “Cyclone Idai” through any ELCIC congregation.
* Call CLWR at 1-800-661-2597 (locally at 204-694-6502) to donate by credit card or go online at https://www.clwr.org/cyclone-idai.
* Send a cheque made payable to CLWR and mailed to CLWR, 600-177 Lombard Avenue, Winnipeg, MB R3B 0W5. Please indicate that you wish to contribute to “Cyclone Idai.”
