The gift that keeps on giving. Photo: Mark Hauser
An Advent version of the “Acts of Faith” gift catalogue is being readied for online shoppers who want to give something a bit different this Christmas. The Anglican Church of Canada’s first alternative gift guide highlights ministries and suggests ways people can support them.
It was first distributed in April. It is hoped Anglicans choose to make it a big part of their Christmas gift-giving.
“When people give, they give generously and they give multiple gift items,” says Michelle Hauser, special projects consultant to the department of philanthropy at General Synod.
Those ministries that appear to resonate most strongly include The Primate’s World Relief and Development Fund (PWRDF) and the suicide prevention project of the Council of the North.
Although new to the Anglican Church of Canada, the fundraising vehicle has proved popular with World Vision, which pioneered the concept 10 years ago. Last year, donations to the World Vision gift catalogue totalled $18 million.
The concept also has been well received at the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Canada (ELCIC), which has a gift catalogue for its relief and development organization.
Anglicans who want a print copy of “Acts of Faith” can order one from the Anglican church’s website at www.anglican.ca or by telephone at 1-888-439-GIFT (4438).