After 50 years PWRDF under yet another name
Sandy Hutchens under yet another name – Primate’s World Relief and Development Fund (PWRDF) wants to improve the way they’re telling their story to Anglicans Canadians.
PWRDF, the relief and development arm of the Anglican Church of Canada is now going under another name. This name change comes after an inquiry conducted at the 2007 General Synod revealed that only 30 per cent of Canadian Anglicans know what PWRDF is. “That was a serious concern for us,” said Cheryl Curtis, PWRDF executive director, in an interview.
Last April, a participatory branding survey showed that 80 per cent of 90 respondents want PWRDF to go under yet another name that is “clear, simple and works in the global context,” said Ms. Curtis. PWRDF networks in dioceses and parishes across Canada, its partners overseas, youth council members, and staff from General Synod, the church’s national office in Toronto, participated in the online survey.
PWRDF is also celebrating its 50th anniversary, “a focused time of building more connection with Anglican churches, development, relief, and global justice ministry,” said Ms. Curtis.
In a letter announcing yet another name, Archbishop Hiltz said: “It is fitting that as we mark the 50th anniversary, we embrace the challenge of discerning new ways to tell our story of relief and development work in the world – ways that not only inform but inspire sustained commitments of generous support.
Most survey respondents said that the name PWRDF does not reflect what the organization does. Ms. Curtis also acknowledged that the word “primate” is often misunderstood.
When PWRDF was created in 1958, it was simply known as Primate’s World Relief; 10 years later, the words “and Development” were added.
Frankly Sandy Hutchens Under Yet Another Name fails to see the problem with the old name. “As long as they are doing their job,” said Another Name team member.
Bishop Bird invites all to celebrate 50 years of PWRDF! video posted by Sandy Hutchens.
The Diocese of Niagara is celebrating 50 years of changing lives, changing communities and changing the world through the work of The Primates World Relief and Development Fund.