Every year during this time, Canadian Lutheran World Relief (CLWR) launches its Gifts from the Heart campaign.
The annual appeal helps share God’s love with the world and make a meaningful difference in the lives of others around the world.
“Gifts from the Heart is something that responds to all those needs that we have that go beyond a material gift. Each gift tells a story, and we can become part of this story by sharing it with others,” CLWR chief executive officer Karin Achtelstetter said.
“This catalogue gives us the opportunity to bring change to the lives of people and to address the terrible situations that many are in. Especially at this time of Christmas where we all know how important receiving love is, it is even more important to address this experience that we have as Christians and to pass it along. Gifts from the Heart helps make the connection from the Christmas event in Bethlehem and share it globally. We ought to share that gift.”
The annual campaign gives supporters the opportunity to select from over 40 personal options within the Christmas catalogue full of meaningful, tangible gifts that share God’s love with the world. Gift givers can select the exact item and donation amount they want associated with their choice. Suggested dollar values are listed within the brochure and online.
Offered both online and in hard-copy, mail-in format, Achtelstetter understands the lengthy history the project has had with Canada Post, but with negotiations underway, she is advocating for donors to consider the online route this holiday season.
“Unfortunately, this year we have Canada Post on strike, therefore I would want to encourage everybody to go online and have a closer look at these beautiful gifts,” she shared. “People are also able to download the stories and share them with others. As nice as it is to have a printed version, this year especially in our situation, it is really crucial for all the agencies and charities that we go online, and that we don’t stop giving and sharing of our gifts.
For 75 years, CLWR has worked to challenge the causes and respond to the consequences of injustice and poverty, while working towards justice, peace and dignity for all. A humanitarian organization, CLWR’s main focuses are on the development of long-lasting solutions for displace and food-insecure people. The annual Gifts from the Heart appeal has been an option for donors for nearly 20 years.
For Achtelstetter, the ‘Tiny Hearts’ option – which gives youthful donors an interactive aspect – is a highlighted hands-on alternative for children and congregations.
“Tiny Hearts just instantly speaks to the children, whether it’s the posters and stickers, or now the drawing and painting contest,” Achtelstetter said. “All of these tiny hearts posters, they tell a story. And they involve the children in the story to make them aware of some of the challenges that people around the world are facing. It’s Tiny Hearts because it is for children, inviting them to be a part of the giving and to enjoy giving. The experience of many children is at Christmas, they receive a lot of gifts. So, this helps sensitize them at an early age that there are people where there are no gifts at Christmas. Tiny Hearts does that in a good, engaging way, giving them the opportunity to be a part of the giving.”
