Even as it turns fifty, the relief and development arm of the Anglican Church of Canada has undergone some major restructuring and budget cuts. On Jan. 28, the executive committee of the Primate’s World Relief and Development Fund (PWRDF) unanimously approved a 26% cut in its 2010-2011 budget and a major staff downsizing. Seven positions have been eliminated and three new ones have been created. A day later Primate Fred Hiltz announced that executive director, Cheryl Curtis, was resigning effective the end of February.

Staff restructuring will take effect March 31. The PWRDF staff voted recently to unionize. All union staff is eligible to apply for the three new positions: Communications Facilitator, CIDA Development Program Coordinator, and Public Engagement Program Coordinator.

The global economic downturn has devalued funds and slowed down general donations. A major fundraising drive to celebrate PWRDF’s 50th anniversary has been suspended. Instead, channeling $600,000 in donations to aid relief and development in Haiti after its devastating earthquake is a major focus of PWRDF at this time.