Rick looked at Lauren. They were enjoying their spontaneous conversation in the church parking lot, discovering similar interests and experiences. Rick knew he didn’t want the conversation to end. “Do you want to ride together sometime?” he asked, inviting her on a cycling adventure. Lauren cocked her head, regarding him. “Where would we … read more
Recently I was reminded that there is a vast difference between reading about something and experiencing it first-hand. After reviewing the project documents for ADRA’s work in Ukraine in preparation for my trip there, I thought I had a firm handle on what to expect. ADRA has been working in Ukraine ever since … read more
It was lunchtime on Sabbath and the fellowship hall was full of people. But rather than gathered around tables laden with potluck favourites, the church family sat on blankets on the floor, balancing plates of humble rice and beans on their knees. This was the 2nd annual ADRA Canada Ration Meal Challenge at … read more
Serafine, her husband, and their three young children live in the Ndego district of Rwanda. When Serafine and her family returned from neighbouring Tanzania after the genocide in 1993, they returned to subsistence farming in their native district of Kirehe. They struggled to feed their family and build a life. The Ndgeo area … read more
Hurricane Matthew slammed into Haiti with a force that Emilien had not seen before in his 79 years. Emilien’s father had been a fisherman. He died in 1954. At the age of 17, Emilien was forced to leave school and start fishing to support his family. He lives very close to the sea … read more
The monsoon rain hammered on the tin roof, making it almost impossible to hear the story. I was in the IDP (internally displaced people) camp called Janmai Kawng, in Myitkyina, in Kachin State, Myanmar (previously known as Burma). This was my first visit to the beautiful country I had first heard of … read more
Agnes remembers a better life. She had a home, a school, and her family was together. They were happy. In hours, her life changed. Her village in Wonderuba, South Sudan was attacked. She saw people being killed. Her family fled into the bush along with hundreds of others. They found refuge outside a … read more
Seven hours and five minutes. That’s how long it takes to drive the 754 km from Calgary to Fort McMurray. For the students of Chinook Winds Adventist Academy (CWAA) the geographic distance did not translate into a compassionate distance. They did not feel far removed from the people affected by the May wildfire. They … read more
Standing in Agnes’ garden left me feeling like Alice in Wonderland for a moment. The kale was taller than I. Agnes is one of the most energetic people I have ever met. She darts everywhere, eager to show us the fruits—and vegetables—of her labours. At 70, she is bursting with life, as is … read more
In partnership with the Government of Alberta, ADRA Canada has opened the Alberta Wildfire Donation Centre in Edmonton, Alberta to help the evacuees and residents of Fort McMurray. As of June 1, the 175,000 square foot warehouse has been the primary location to manage all donations for Fort McMurray. The warehouse is located … read more
In instances where donations exceed the project’s requirements or when local conditions impede program implementation, ADRA Canada will reallocate the funds to similar activities to assist those in greatest need.
