News 2021-05-12

印度新冠肺炎疫症救災行動

印度正爆發災難性之新冠肺炎疫症。近日來，每天均紀錄得四十萬新確診病例及四千人死亡。國際觀察家認為實際數字應更高。現時，該國之醫療系統、殯儀服務與及其他社會支援均未能應付目前之需要。

多倫多總教區將會透過「發展與和平基金」捐獻予正在印度幫助疫情災民之天主教國際人道聯盟的「國際明愛」。

自從疫情開始，印度的天主教會已主要透過「印度明愛中心」支援最低層的社羣，例如：居無定所人士、外地勞工、有特別需要的人及寡婦。提供之救援服務及物資包括：

• 在貧民窟、出入境地點等之廚房及分派中心之食物。
• 提供口罩、洗手液及衛生包予高危社群。
• 為受精神困擾及傷痛人士提供心理輔導及熱線服務。
• 有關預防感染及接種疫苗之公民教育運動。
• 支援公共衛生系統，包括經由教會診所及醫院捐贈專門技能、設施及器材。

如欲知更多有關「明愛」在印度之工作，請上網觀看以下視頻：http://bit.ly/CaritasIndiaRelief

若閣下希望為救災行動盡一分力，

• 可以透過 https://community.archtoronto.org/page.aspx?pid=378 作網上捐款，
• 又或致電 Development Office (416-934-3411) 認捐均可。
• 本堂區亦為此收取捐款。支票捐獻，抬頭請以英文填寫 : St. Agnes Tsao Catholic Church – India’s COVID-19 Outbreak – Disaster Relief。

讓我們繼續為印度及世界各地災民祈禱。

Humanitarian Relief – India’s COVID-19 Outbreak

India is reeling from a devastating COVID-19 outbreak. In recent days, the country has been reporting more than 400,000 of new cases and 4,000 deaths every 24 hours. International observers expect that the actual numbers are significantly higher. The medical system, funeral services and other social supports are unable to meet the country’s needs at this time.

The Archdiocese of Toronto will send donations through Development and Peace to Caritas Internationalis, an international confederation of Catholic humanitarian organizations that is already in India helping those who are suffering during this COVID-19 outbreak.

Since the pandemic began, India’s Catholic Church, acting principally through Caritas India, has been supporting some of the most disadvantaged groups, such as those with inadequate housing, migrant labourers, persons with special needs and widows. Relief services and materials provided by the Church, or with its support, include:

• Food at kitchens and distribution centres in slums, at migration transit points, etc.
• Masks, sanitizers and hygiene kits to vulnerable communities
• Psychosocial support and hotline services to traumatized and grieving people
• Public education campaigns on infection prevention and vaccination
• Supporting the public healthcare system, including donating expertise, facilities and equipment from Church-run clinics and hospitals

To learn more about Caritas’ work in India, please watch this video: http://bit.ly/CaritasIndiaRelief

Those wishing to help may do so in the following ways:

• Online through the Archdiocese of Toronto website: https://community.archtoronto.org/page.aspx?pid=378 
• By phone through the Development Office – 416-934-3411
• Through the parish, making cheques payable to: "St. Agnes K.Y. Tsao Catholic Church – India’s COVID-19 Outbreak – Disaster Relief"

Please continue to pray for the people of India and all those who are suffering from COVID-19 worldwide. Thank you for your continued assistance.