New Brunswick Anglicans respond generously to the needs of flood victims

by Ana Watts

Serious December floods in the Archdeaconries of St. Andrews and Fredericton moved New Brunswick Anglicans to respond in typically generous fashion. About $4,000 was donated to flood relief efforts in the St. George area and two families in especially difficult circumstances were supported. An elderly and faithful Anglican couple, whose dwelling sustained serious damage and who had no insurance, was lovingly cared for by its parish and some diocesan contributions. The needs of a family of four, whose house is one of the 25 completely destroyed but ineligible for government support because of an ownership technicality, are being met by the community as well as diocesan funds. At its January meeting Diocesan Council moved a vote of thanks to the people of this diocese and the Archdeaconry of St. Andrews for their support of people in the Charlotte County area who were affected by the recent floods.

Flooding in Keswick Valley, near Fredericton, seriously affected Saint Paul’s Church and parish hall in Zealand, Parish of Bright. The parish has appealed for donations for restoration. Anglicans are asked to enclose their cheques in an envelope with the donor’s envelope number on it, mark them with “Flood Relief, Saint Paul’s Anglican Church, Zealand”, and to put the envelope in the offering plate at their own church.

The people of the Parish of Millidgeville in Saint John came up with a delicious fundraiser in support of flood victims in Charlotte County. They invited everyone to lunch after a Sunday service. They put baked potatoes with all the fixings and an ice-cream sundae bar on the menu. A lot of guests came from other faiths, as did a lot of the people who normally gather at a local famous coffee shop for Sunday lunch. There were also lots of joyous cries of “What a great idea, we do not have to go home and cook!” The result was more than $800 raised with minimal effort for persons who really need help. About the only effort required by the lunch guests was a little thinking — “Do I want to try the hot salsa or the sour cream on my potato? And what sauce do I want on my ice cream, the deluxe chocolate or the caramel?” Margaret Formby and Ada McNamara (above) looked after preparing the potatoes and generally contributed to the success of the event.

Flood relief donations are appreciated at any time through the parish or through the Diocesan Office, 115 Church St., Fredericton E3B 4C8.

 

Diocesan Communications

01 February 2011