Pakistan continues to struggle in response to massive flooding, which has affected an estimated 20 million people. Continuing monsoon rains have washed away roads and bridges and are hampering relief efforts. The rains also sometimes make it impossible for relief and rescue helicopters to reach stranded communities.

The United Church of Canada, together with other members of the global ACT Alliance, is continuing to monitor and respond to the crisis. As a result of donations made by its members, the United Church sent $25,000 to ACT immediately following initial news of the crisis, and has now sent an additional $40,000 also to be used for ACT’s work on the ground.

ACT members in Pakistan are working diligently to deliver assistance including food, water, tents, kitchen kits, hygiene kits, mosquito nets, and emergency medical care.

 The United Church has also contributed $75,000 through its membership in the Canadian Foodgrains Bank (CFGB). The funds will be used for a multi–CFGB member supported project that will provide food kits containing rice, lentils, flour, oil, sugar, salt, tea, and spices.

 The United Church will receive donations to its Emergency Response Fund and channel these through the ACT Alliance to provide a coordinated response with other church organizations.

 How United Church members can help:

·                     Pray: Hold the people of Pakistan and their families around the world in prayer.

·                     Donate: Designate a gift for “Pakistan Flood Relief.” As part of the United Church's Emergency  Response Fund, 85 percent of your donation will go directly to emergency response in Pakistan. Fifteen percent will be used to support emergencies that do not receive intense media coverage and response. No administration fees will be deducted from your donation. Regular donations to the Mission and Service Fund enable the United Church to absorb staffing and administration costs of emergency response work.

 Individuals are invited to contribute to the United Church’s Pakistan appeal either through their local congregation or directly to The United Church of Canada’s national office: 3250 Bloor St. West, Suite 300, Toronto, ON M8X 2Y4.

 Online donations can be made at www.united-church.ca/pakistan.

Cheques and online donations should be made payable to The United Church of Canada and marked “Pakistan Flood Relief.”

Donations made by United Church members and congregations to the Pakistan appeal are considered “over and above” gifts to the United Church’s wider work, and so they are not recorded as part of a congregation’s Mission and Service Fund giving. But they are eligible for tax receipts. Congregational treasurers may receive and receipt individual cheques and then forward one congregational cheque to the United Church, attention “Pakistan Flood Relief.”

Additional background material related to the United Church’s Pakistan appeal has been posted on The United Church of Canada’s website (www.united-church.ca/pakistan). Please watch for updates as new information becomes available.

For more information, contact:

Gary Kenny
Program Coordinator, Emergency Response
The United Church of Canada
Tel: 416-231-7680 ext. 4051
Toll-free: 1-800-268-3781 ext. 4051
E-mail: gkenny@united-church.ca

 Regular worship schedule will begin on September 12th with morning worship at Perry's Cove and evening worship at Salmon Cove.

Except for the months of July and August, the Men's Fellowship Group of the Pastoral Charge leads worship on Sunday afternoons in the area's Seniors' Homes.Check the Pastoral Charge Calendar for details.