The Board of the Primate's World Relief and Development Fund (PWRDF)--the global charity arm of the Anglican Church of Canada--has voted for a new name: "Alongside Hope".
The idea to adopt a name that was “easier to say and less confusing" has been under discussion since 2001. "Alongside Hope" becomes official March 1, 2025.
The organization and its values remain the same.
“The name has changed, the program hasn’t. The name has changed, the mission hasn’t. It remains the same organization in terms of the people we work with, it’s still based in the Anglican church, based in faith,” he says. “We’ve just changed the name to make it easier for people to relate to.”
The new name underlines the growing concept of partnership and collaberation in global aid work. The idea of developed nations handing relief and resources down to developing ones is outdated and reconfigured toward a more collaborative approach, more of a partnership of equals than 'We're helping you out.'
The charity’s executive director, Will Postma, says the new name “conveys the listening and learning that takes place when walking side by side, together with partners from around the world, including in Canada, with our supporters and volunteers. Alongside Hope inspires us even further in working with partners towards our vision of a truly just, healthy and peaceful world.”
"Alongside Hope" reflects collaboration and the biblical theme of travelling together reflected in stories like that of Jesus' journey to Emmaus after his resurrection. Jesus walked alongside disciples who didn’t recognize him until they stopped to eat a meal with him.
“When we walk alongside one another, Jesus accompanies us, We are strengthened and comforted and recognize Jesus when we share in his feast. As we walk alongside each of our partners, supporting, listening and sharing with one another, we embrace and embody the hope of a better world. Thus was born Alongside Hope.”
The logo--a globe criss-crossed by curving lines segmenting into brightly coloured panels--will remain the same.
