The family is well known in the community and this corner of P.E.I., though far from affluent, is always raising money to help its own, Ms. Boutilier said. Farmers unconnected to the parish also donated to the project as the Campbells were going partly to develop a farm that had been given to the Anglican church there. Mrs. Campbell has become headmistress of the local school. Fundraising was not limited to the parish but extended throughout the diocese and even further afield. A parish in Fort Simpson, N.W.T., has been sending regular contributions and corresponding with Mr. Campbell.
Parishioners send packages and mark birthdays and anniversaries.
It's that connection that makes Volunteers in Mission unique, Ms. Reevely said. She's travelled overseas with different programs four times. Never has she felt better prepared than this time, however. This time I'm going as a partnership with my own parish.