Dear friends,
I want to sincerely thank those of you who, after receiving my July letter, have moved into the next donor category. Please accept my heartfelt thanks for your ongoing support, especially during these very challenging times. Like many other faith organizations, we continue to experience a decrease in donations.
I am deeply grateful to those of you who have the capacity to continue your support.
The “First Things First Rule”
The “First Things Rule” refers to the first thing we are advised to do when working remotely from home. Get up in the morning, shower, and get dressed as if going to the office. According to current market research, many of us are dressing casually and comfortably, wearing whatever we want, but keeping a “Zoom shirt” nearby—basically a single, mildly dressy, fast-on and fast-off wardrobe upgrade for video calls. These days, perhaps wardrobe is a lower priority than work setup, schedule, and for many, childcare.
If you’re like me—and apparently most of our colleagues—we may be wearing a “Zoom shirt” on important work calls—but the rest of our wardrobe may be running shorts and flip flops.
Whatever we are wearing, I am writing to keep you updated on the work of the Anglican Foundation. We are working fulsomely from our remote offices, checking in at our physical office at 80 Hayden Street once a week to collect mail, fill your promotional orders, and complete your purchases thorough the AFC Store.
Coronacoaster: the ups and downs of a pandemic
I don’t remember where I read this or some version of it, but it made me chuckle. For all of us, there are ups and downs, and we don’t know how long this period of time is going to last, whether we will be returning to our offices, or if we will experience a second wave. I notice that many are now referring to the number of days this has lasted rather than the number of months. By the time you receive this letter, it may be close to the 150th day of this coronacoaster.
Whatever you are wearing these days, however you are feeling, I want to assure you that the Anglican Foundation is committed to supporting you and your faith communities as generously as we are able, trusting that we will get through this together.
Birthday Partners
Seven years ago, my husband and I moved into a condo which meant a significant downsizing of the stuff we owned. It turned out to be a surprisingly liberating experience to scale down and give away lots of what we thought were cherished possessions. Nowadays, working from home, I realize that we still have lots of stuff. If you are in the same boat, we are inviting you to reduce the amount of stuff you have on your birthday.
Here are two birthday options:
How about a “No Presents Please” invitation. “Help me celebrate my birthday this year by donating to the Anglican Foundation of Canada.”
Consider making a donation yourself for your birthday in any amount or in the amount of your age. We have a small but special gift for those of you who choose this option.
Foundation Forward: ideas that inspire
This summer, we have begun a new podcast series on the topic of generosity. These five-minute podcasts from Canadian Anglicans are available online. At the Foundation, we believe there is no better exercise for the heart and soul than to reach down and lift people up. We hope that you will enjoy hearing why many Canadians believe this to be true as well.
Face masks
AFC monogrammed face masks are available through the AFC Store. Double-layer brushed cotton twill.
Taking care of each other
The life of contemplative activist Dorothy Day (1897–1980) was spent in very ordinary ways, her sanctity expressed not in heroic deeds but in the routine duties of everyday life. Her spirituality was rooted in a constant effort to be as charitable as possible to those closest at hand.
At this time of the pandemic, AFC is not trying to be heroic. We are trying our best to be as charitable as possible to Canadians who are close at hand and who need it the most. I hope that you will join us in this generous aspiration.
With deep thanks and gratitude to you all,
Judy Rois
Executive Director
Coming Soon
Next Application Deadline: September 1, 2020.
Email your applications to:
[email protected]
Reminder
AFC welcomes your annual donation in October. You will receive a reminder letter this fall.
