B.C. fundraising campaign underway

VANCOUVER -- Hopes are high for a generous response to the B.C. Bishops’ Campaign in Support of Healing and Reconciliation this month.

Advance giving started in July, though the campaign’s official launch was Sept. 1. A second collection is to take place Sept. 11 and 12 in all churches within the Archdiocese of Vancouver with all funds destined for local reconciliation efforts.

The campaign has been sparked by the discovery of unmarked graves at former residential schools across Canada, including the first discovery at Kamloops, B.C.

Chris Ufford, director of the Vancouver archdiocese’s Development Office, said proceeds from the campaign will be focused on a variety of needs, including mental health supports and community outreach programs.

B.C.’s bishops, who will consult with local Indigenous leaders, elders and residential school survivors to decide where the funds will go, said they hope the campaign will “help restore trust and further the ongoing journey to truth and reconciliation.”

The bishops of Saskatchewan have launched a fundraising appeal as well, and the Diocese of Calgary and the Archdiocese of Toronto have made similar pledges.