International Needs Canada

Thank you for your past support of maternal & child health in the DR Congo. Clinique Papillon is a special maternity hospital located in the heart of Lubumbashi, DR Congo, a city that struggles with crushing poverty and brutal violence against women. Some of the situations they face are hard for us to grasp in Canada; Gilson, the clinic administrator, has told stories of husbands abandoning their pregnant wives after hearing the cost of a medical procedure. ... This Easter, as you contemplate the hope that has been given to us through the resurrection of Christ, will you make a gift to the clinic’s Emergency Medical Fund and share that same hope with the mothers and babies in Lubumbashi? Thank you! https://internationalneeds.ca/emergency-medical-fund-appeal/

A few global statistics for this World Water Day: - 2.2 billion people don't have access to safe drinking water, and 4.2 billion don't have a safe place to use the toilet (UN Water) - 50% of child malnutrition is linked to unsafe water and poor sanitation / hygiene. (UN Water)... - Women and children around the world spend 200,000,000 hours every day collecting water (UNICEF) - Contaminated drinking water is estimated to cause 485 000 diarrhoeal deaths each year. (WHO) And some good news about the value of water: - Every $1 invested in water and sanitation services generates up to $7.00 in saved medical costs and increased productivity. (UN Water)

While the world celebrated International Women’s Day yesterday, this sobering BBC article digs into child marriage, one of the factors that prevents women from reaching their full potential in life. The article examines a UNICEF report that projects 100 million child brides worldwide by 2030, with 10 million linked to the economic fallout of COVID. Thank you to everyone who supports International Needs schools around the world, where together we empower young people and their families to make better choices than early marriage. https://www.bbc.com/news/world-56292247

Empowering oppressed women in Nepal Lydia Vocational Training Centre transforms underprivileged women into confident entrepreneurs. One graduate from the 2012 class, Sara Kumal, used her education and a small business loan to start a cosmetic and tailoring shop that provides enough income to support her family and her parents! When the pandemic hit, she had generated enough savings to keep the shop running until her district was locked down, at which point her business instin...ct led her to move her supplies to her sister’s shop, in a region that was not restricted. She then wisely invested her savings and launched a small goat farm. Her goal is to keep generating income from the goats, and then to reopen her dream shop when the pandemic is over. Sara also now serves as a leader in her local community, teaching small school children every Saturday and helping the local church pastor in leading house fellowships. Sara’s story is a beautiful example of empowerment and hope in a culture where women face significant discrimination and child marriage. If you’re looking for a way to support women this International Women’s Day, please consider the Lydia Vocational Training Centre, which equips women with spiritual knowledge, health education, vocational training, plus awareness training in domestic violence, HIV/AIDS, and drug addiction. https://internationalneeds.ca/lydia-vocational-training/

Creative Ways to Give in 2021 - Without writing a cheque! If God has entrusted you with financial resources, we encourage you to consider two ways you can support International Needs generously and joyfully, while minimizing the impact on your bank account and your tax bill. Find out more here: https://internationalneeds.ca/creative-ways-to-give-in-2021/