Anglicans can now receive tax receipts for their donations to the Anglican Church Women of Canada (ACW) thanks to a new trust fund established in July with the Anglican Foundation. Formed in 1885 as the Women’s Auxiliary, the ACW is a loose federation of Anglican women engaged in various kinds of ministry across Canada. Their work may include advocating for the homeless, coordinating prayer ministry, leading Christian education, or other activities.
“Women’s ministry has often been referred to as the backbone of the church,” said ACW National President Marion Saunders. “I like the phrase ‘daughters of the disciples.’ We are telling and living the story.”
For many years the ACW has used the interest from their investments to help certain members travel to national ACW meetings, especially those members who live in remote areas or who could not afford to go otherwise. The trust fund will continue this ministry because, as Ms. Saunders explains, “It’s important to have everyone at the table.” She said that at the next ACW national meeting on Sept. 15 members will take steps towards establishing fund guidelines, which will outline the specific ministry of the fund.
Establishing trust funds is one of many services provided by the Anglican Foundation, a community foundation for Anglicans in Canada. When organizations establish trust funds with the foundation these monies are managed by an expert investment committee, and organizations can give tax receipts for donations. The Anglican Foundation’s other work includes distributing bursaries for theological training and providing grants to parishes for ministry or building work.
Ms. Saunders encourages all Anglicans to consider giving to the ACW Trust Fund. She suggests that some may want to consider a gift out of thanksgiving or as a memorial to ACW sisters, known or unknown.
For more information on how to give, or about the Anglican Foundation, email Jim Cullen, the foundation’s treasurer, or call him at (416) 924-9199 ext. 338.
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