CAUSE Canada

Last weekend, Heather and I had the opportunity to go to a Mother's Day Gala event sponsored by CAUSE Canada.  Started 25 years ago by Bev and Paul Carrick, CAUSE Canada is an international relief and development agency working in West AFrica and Central America.  From their website:

Our development priorities include:

• Primary Health Care (PHC)
• Water and Sanitation
• Education
  
• Reforestation
• Gender-Specific Development Initiatives (Women’s Projects)
• Micro-enterprise Projects

Inspired by Christ

CAUSE Canada follows the example of Christ in speaking out on behalf of the poor. We do this because we feel called by God to do so. Some may suggest that the purchasing of construction materials, the writing of reports, and the carrying out of public health surveys does not constitute true spirituality. We, however, believe that it does. We pray that our identification with Jesus, our concern for justice and the practical demonstration of God’s love in meeting people’s physical needs, will draw people to Christ.

Development Is A Process, Not An End

CAUSE Canada sees development as being a process, not an end; to develop is to become, not only to have. Development does not necessarily mean industrialization. One of CC’s preferred definitions for development relates to the unfolding of people’s collective imagination In defining not only who they are, but where they want to go. To this end, CC is committed to the challenge of assisting our Southern partners in the establishment and strengthening of their own Non-Government Organization (NGO) communities.

Celebration of Diversity

CAUSE Canada works with people from all faiths and cultural backgrounds. We celebrate the diversity of humankind while at the same time recognizing the equality and dignity of all peoples. With this in mind, we can all take part in promoting a greater unity and understanding between religion, race and culture.

Heather's good friend, Alanna, works for them and she was part of the team organizing the evening.  Local women artists (including Heather) contributed pieces to a silent and live auction, a midwife from Sierra Leone spoke about health care in her country and we shared some great food.    All money raised is going to build 21 birthing huts in Sierra Leone where currently, 1 out of 8 mothers dies while giving birth - a staggering number. 

I invite you to check the website, read more and consider if you can help.  There are many wonderful agencies helping in developing countries - find one to support through your gifts and prayers -  and be part of the change that our world needs!!  There is no better way to celebrate Mother's Day!