These are challenging times for denominational magazines such as ours; many well-respected, long-running church publications in Canada and the United States have folded in the past several years. Donations to the Friends of The Observer Fund are The Observer’s lifeline. Without them, the magazine as we know it would cease to exist. That is why I am asking you to help us. 

Encouraged by readers’ support, The Observer set an ambitious course to secure the future of the magazine. Here are some of the ways that Friends Fund donations are being put to work right now:

• The Friends Fund means we can hire acclaimed Canadian writers and photographers. In 2017, this group included people like Margaret Atwood, David Suzuki, Rudy Wiebe, Sally Armstrong, and Michael Coren.

• The Friends Fund supports one of the few remaining paid journalism internship programs in Canada. This summer, we will welcome Mugoli Samba, who is set to graduate from Carleton University. By investing in promising young Canadian journalists, The Observer is investing in the future of the Canadian conversation around issues of faith, social justice and ethical living.

• The Friends Fund is aiding efforts to heighten our digital profile. Since the start of the year, page views at UCObserver.org have jumped by 220 percent! 

With roots dating back to 1829, The Observer is the longest-running magazine in Canada. We are tremendously proud of our history. And we are determined to shape a future for the magazine that builds on a tradition of excellence while finding new ways to communicate the values we share. Will you join me in supporting this vision? Simply click here to donate.

You can probably tell that I’m passionate about The Observer. I’m excited about this next chapter. Let’s go forward together.

Sincerely,
Jocelyn Bell