As Canadians, many of us take for granted that adequate light is available when women are in labour and their babies are being born. However, this isn’t the case the world over. Most of us don’t even ever wonder what light sources are being used to help midwives and physicians assist with safe deliveries when they are thousands of miles from a power grid.
PWRDF is supporting an innovative project which provides the necessary power all wrapped up in a suitcase giving a “Light for Every Birth”. This initiative provides Solar Suitcases to remote and rural health clinics in Mozambique, so that they too can have lighting during the night. And not just light… a solar suitcase is a wall-mounted unit that opens to reveal phone charging ports, a portable headlamp and a fetal Doppler to monitor baby’s heartbeat, all connected to a roof mounted solar panel. For more details about this initiative visit our website at www.pwrdf.org.
It’s fairly certain that most people reading this right now, were born with an adequate and reliable amount of light in the room. With that blessing in mind, PWRDF is inviting everyone across our Diocese to participate in the Ride for Refuge … so that we can all share the light!
Last year the ride had to be done virtually because of the pandemic limitations. With the improving community health situation this year, participants can once again physically get out into their communities.
Following on the theme of “Share the Light”, on Saturday, October 2nd, members of our diocese are encouraged to drive/walk/bike and meet up “halfway” with other participants from a nearby parish. At the halfway point, symbolically “Share the Light” with one another! Be creative with this — you could exchange candles, flashlights, light-themed artwork, or however you’re inspired! Be sure to take some pictures and send them to PWRDF Ottawa at [email protected].
Your photo might find its way into the Advent/Christmas issue of Crosstalk which will feature more information about the Solar Suitcases and its impact in remote rural communities.
We are pleased to announce that an anonymous donor has come forward with a 1:1 funding match, up to $100,000. The match will apply to donations received between May 26 and September 30, 2021.
Be sure to register soon as a participant in our PWRDF Ottawa Team, so that you can ‘share your light”!
Together, we can light up the Ottawa Diocese and provide Light for Every Birth!
PWRDF Ottawa Team Page:
https://secure.e2rm.com/registrant/TeamFundraisingPage.aspx?teamID=958132&langPref=en-CA
For more information contact Rosemary at: [email protected]
Advent and Christmas in a time of war: the Four Last Things