“It’s easy to change the world”.

“It’s easy to change the world”.
Sheilagh McGlynn
justgeneration.ca facilitator

“It’s easy to change the world”, Bethany Hartropp, volunteer Youth leader at St. Mary’s, Kirkland, states with great emphasis. The youth group at the parish is leading the way, giving others the chance to change the world - one bottle drive, one food drive, one benefit concert at a time. “It’s easy, anyone can do it!” A few years ago the youth group responded to a call from the Primate to sponsor one of PWRDF’s 50 Refugee families to Canada. St. Mary’s joined forces with neighbouring parish, St. George’s, to help sponsor the family. The Youth Group decided that they could take responsibility for the fundraising. They needed to raise $15,000. They had no doubts that they could do it. They knew it would take time and some energy, but the money was raised and a Refugee Family’s life was changed by this effort.

It was easy...

Before this adventure they had raised money to apply to a microfinance organization. Their original goal of $1500 grew exponentially to $3500. The parish was able to get behind their initiative. Their original investment was repaid and they have been able to reinvest their money - giving more opportunities to women and those on the margins of society of the developing world. “In other parts of the world it is almost impossible for women to get loans (never mind single mothers). Microfinance gives them a chance to build their lives”, says Bethany as she addresses a group of young people preparing for Confirmation. “These women start a small business, make a living for themselves and their families, then repay the loan, enabling that money to give someone else a chance.”

PWRDF was part of the Diocesan Confirmation Day in Montreal. After learning about the work of the Primate’s Fund and learning about how to engage in justice work on a Global level, Bethany spoke about how to get involved in Social Justice on a local level. “God gives us a choice, do we choose to feed the hungry, clothe the naked? It is our choice. It is easy to choose yes.”

St. Mary’s Youth Group meets in a room known as “the cave”. It is small... but clearly the group is mighty! The name of the room is somewhat misleading. It is not hidden away in a basement. It is bright, freshly painted, with a beautiful view of the neighbourhood through one of the newly installed church windows. This group is a beacon for the rest of their local community and the greater Church. They are living out the Gospel call to change this world.

Members of the group – Jackie, Dom, Meagan, Jessica, and Erin are the first to say… “It’s easy!”