MISSISSAUGA, Ont. — Dave Toycen, president of World Vision Canada recently traveled in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and visited projects supported by Canadians in the western part of the country formerly known as Zaire. The DRC is struggling to rebuild after years of neglect and corruption by former regimes. Toycen assessed the progress of World Vision Canada's work in the western province of Katanga and met with community and political leaders.

World Vision began working in the DRC in 1984 during a food shortage in the same region Toycen visited last week. Today, World Vision provides agricultural programs, HIV and AIDS awareness, education and peace building initiatives to the region. Canadians support 20,000 children and their families through World Vision's work in the DRC.

Although the DRC is rich with diamonds, gold and other minerals, the average person still suffers from disease, hunger and poverty. Resource extraction provides both political and environmental challenges and opportunities for the people of the DRC and for those countries along its borders.

World Vision is a Christian relief, development and advocacy organization dedicated to working with children, families and communities to overcome poverty and injustice. Motivated by our Christian faith, we serve all people regardless of religion, race, gender or ethnicity.

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For more information, or to arrange an interview with Mr. Toycen, contact:

Philip Maher 905-565-6200 ext. 2234
Philip_Maher@worldvision.ca