COVID19 – The Work Must Go on

Christian World Service is continuing its work to end poverty.  We are in contact with our international partners who are experiencing many of the same situations – all are worried about what happens if COVID19  is not contained.

Now we are approaching the highest Alert level, we want you to know that we are working from home.  All phone calls to any CWS numbers will be answered by Jordyn.  We are happy to respond to any questions or concerns you have by email but we will not be able to visit the office once the Lockdown begins.

All donations have been processed to date but once the Lockdown begins we may be unable to collect mail.  The best way to donate to any of our appeals is by direct banking or online.  The details are available here.  We can then send a receipt.  We will send receipts for postal donations as soon as we can.  End of the year receipts will be sent after March 31 when possible – please contact Jordyn or 03 366 9274 for more information if necessary.

Messages of care and concern have been flowing around our network.  Everyone is reaching out – Radio CEPAD and MaridiFM are sharing vital health advisories in Nicaragua and South Sudan.

In the Middle East, the Department of Service to Palestinian Refugees is extremely worried about its effects on an extremely vulnerable situation for refugees.

The National Garment Workers Federation in Bangladesh has requested funding for an awareness programme for 4.2 million workers who make clothes in crowded conditions.  Many are losing their jobs as supply chains dry up.

Our thoughts and prayers are very much on people affected by COVID 19 – all of us.  The health and safety of our partners and supporters are very important.  We will be supporting our partners to get help to the people in their communities.

Working together with a global outlook we can limit the harm this virus can do.   If necessary, we will launch a specific appeal for those affected.  Please watch out for further emails and Facebook posts – or follow us on Twitter.  We will share news from our partners and other matters of interest.

More than ever we need to focus on what we can do for each other:  following government regulations and health advisories, taking care of one another and remembering those who are vulnerable and in difficult situations.

We can learn from the work you supported in Sierra Leone that limited the spread of the deadly Ebola virus – simple things like not touching and the importance of good health advice.

We are praying for all those affected by the virus and for you.

Stay safe and well

Pauline McKay
National Director

March 25, 2020