The Evangelical Lutheran Church in Canada (ELCIC) has received $25,000 from the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) to help those affected by flooding in southern Alberta.
“We thank the members of our sister church for their solidarity with those who are struggling to restore their homes in southern Alberta,” says Bishop Susan Johnson, National Bishop of the ELCIC. “This is a strong living expression of the relationship between the two churches.”
The ELCA approached the ELCIC about providing assistance shortly after the flooding began.
“We treasure the gifts and benevolence the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Canada brings to the companion relationship between our two church bodies. We pray that God’s hope and grace will be with those impacted by the flood as we work together to accompany them on their journey to rebuild their lives.” said Joseph Chu, associate program director, Lutheran Disaster Response.
The donation will be distributed in partnership with Canadian Lutheran World Relief (CLWR) to congregational programs providing emergency services like food and shelter. Any funds not directed to congregations will support disaster response agencies that are working in the flood zone. Currently support is going to Mennonite Disaster Service, who is on the ground mobilizing volunteers and helping with cleanup and reconstruction. They will focus their work in rural areas, prioritizing those vulnerable to falling through the cracks.
“Through our partnerships with the ELCIC and experienced front-line agencies we can be sure that this donation will focus on those most in need,” says Robert Granke, executive director of CLWR.
The flooding, which began June 20, spanned across southern Alberta. Over 100,000 people were displaced in the region, including 75,000 in Calgary. Flash floods hit the community of High River, south of Calgary. Medicine Hat, Canmore, the Siksika First Nation and Turner Valley were among the communities significantly impacted. The Alberta government has estimated that the cleanup could take up to 10 years.
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Canadian Lutheran World Relief carries out international relief, development, and refugee resettlement on behalf of Lutherans in Canada. Our vision is a world where people live in justice, peace and dignity, united in diversity, and empowered to achieve their universal rights to basic needs and quality of life. www.clwr.org
The Evangelical Lutheran Church in Canada is Canada’s largest Lutheran denomination with 145,376 baptized members in 594 congregations. It is a member of the Lutheran World Federation, the Canadian Council of Churches and the World Council of Churches. www.elcic.ca
For media inquires, please contact:
Trina Gallop, Director of Communications, ELCIC, tgallop@elcic.ca, 204.782.8618
Tom Brook, Community Relations Director, CLWR, tbrook@clwr.mb.ca, 204.299.9274
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