Child poverty is clearly a problem across Canada. The “Child Well Being Initiative” (CWBI) is the National UCW project for the next four years. This initiative began in Alberta North-West Conference five years ago, and has been able to increase the awareness of the situation, especially with elected officials in their service area. The support of the UCW across Canada was requested to broaden and deepen the chances for action.
“To create an awareness that child poverty exists in Canada as well as in other countries, rag dolls are being made to give to elected officials as a reminder of child poverty in Canada,” Catherine MacLean, Maritime Conference UCW chair reported introduced at a recent meeting of the Executive of Maritime Conference.
“Poverty dolls create quite a good level of interest. I am looking forward to the next 18 months while we learn, pray, plan and act in our efforts to make a difference.”
Resources are available for all UCW groups on line. “Bread, Not Stones” contains worship resources, information and suggested action. A related worksheet (Child Well-Being initiative Plan) is also available. Units are encouraged to use this valuable resource. Here is a Power Point Presentation arranged by Sarah Kilburn. Presentation UCW
Here is a letter from Phyllis J Buchner President, National United Church Women offering a challenge to address Child Poverty.