Well4Africa - Message from the Minister

May 7, 2020.
 
Dear Regional Ministers,
 
I am writing regarding a very important initiative that is being launched by the National Fraternity of Canada.  Well4Africa is an initiative whose objective is to dig wells for some of the struggling communities in Africa and thus allow them to have their own source of fresh, clean water.
 
During these challenging times in which we are living, we are told to wash our hands frequently as a precaution against contracting the COVID-19 virus.  We are also encouraged to drink lots of water.  For most of us, we simply turn on the tap and avail ourselves of an unlimited supply of clean water to do as we are advised.  This is, of course, but one example of the importance of water in our lives.  In short, we cannot live without water!  Here in Canada, we sometimes take for granted the vast quantities of fresh, clean water that is ours. Regrettably, this is not the case for many in developing countries, especially in Africa, where obtaining clean water is difficult and challenging.
 
The OFS National Justice, Peace and Integrity of Creation (JPIC) Team is calling all Secular Franciscans from across Canada to join in this life-saving initiative.  Without a doubt, Well4Africa has and will continue to save lives in African communities where people can only dream of having clean water, the essential gift of creation.   The Well4Africa project will undoubtedly yield many benefits for the communities involved, including better health for its inhabitants, a reduction of illness and diseases, concrete support for farming, the growing of vegetables and the planting of trees, a reduction in the stress experienced by its people, especially for women who are normally responsible for fetching water for their families and carrying it over long distances, better education and safety of children, and an overall boost to the development of local communities.
 
Through this letter, I am calling on all Secular Franciscans from across our wonderful country, and their friends, to support the Well4Africa project and to work together in collecting funds to see another well built in Africa. More specifically, funds raised will be used to support the provision of water to the villages surrounding St. Lawrence Parish in Malawi.  Approximately $10,000 CAD will be required to see this project to its completion. 
 
Please circulate this letter and attachments to all of your local fraternities.  This is an important initiative that we, as Secular Franciscans, can undertake to really make a difference in the lives of others, including members of our Franciscan Family.  May God keep you safe and well.

Doug Clorey, ofs
National Minister

See the Well4 Africa May Newsletter for additional information