Along with Fond Memories, a Deficit Lingers

WYD Seeks Help for a $19.2 Million Shortfall

TORONTO, AUG. 16, 2002 (Zenit.org).- World Youth Day 2002 needs help to overcome an $19.2 million deficit.

WYD released financial and registration information last week about the event whose closing Papal Mass drew 800,000 people.

Archbishop Anthony Meagher, chairman of the Canadian bishops' committee for WYD, said: «We witnessed a miracle of faith during World Youth Day. It gave us all hope for the future knowing that so many young people are committed to their faith and to working for a better world.»

«The Catholic Church in Canada organized World Youth Day as an investment in the youth of the world,» he said. «We knew that there was likely to be a shortfall and now we think it will be $30 million [Canadian]. We appeal to anyone who wants to help with this investment.»

«Dioceses across Canada are assuming the shortfall. All suppliers will be paid,» the organizing commission affirmed in a statement.

Anyone wishing to help with a donation (eligible for a receipt for tax purposes) can do so in the following ways:

-- Call WYD and make a donation by credit card. The toll-free number is 1-888-559-9930. Hours of operation are Monday to Friday from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m.

-- Mail a check to World Youth Day 2002 at 415 Yonge Street, 9th Floor, Toronto, Ontario, M5B 2E7.

-- Make a deposit at any Scotiabank branch (account name World Youth Day 2002).

-- Make an online donation at the WYD Web site, www.wyd2002.org.

The final estimate of paid participation at World Youth Day is about 187,000. Hundreds of thousands of non-registrants also attended the main events.

Basilian Father Thomas Rosica, national director of WYD, said: «World Youth Day was an invitation to all people of good will to rejoice in the gift of our young people and to work together for a world of hope, justice and lasting peace. Millions of people found inspiration and goodness in the events.»

He continued: «For this reason we turn to the public to assist us with donations to help cover the expenses of this great event that has touched our country and our world. Any support you can give us toward this project for young people is an investment in a bright future of hope and peace.»

WYD was planned a newspaper advertising campaign to appeal for donations.

Officials released these attendance figures for key WYD events:

--Thursday, July 25, Papal Welcoming at Exhibition Place: 375,000 in attendance.

--Friday, July 26, Way of the Cross on University Avenue: 500,000.

--Saturday, July 27, Vigil with the Pope at Downsview Lands: 600,000.

--Sunday, July 28, Papal Mass at Downsview Lands: 800,000.

ZENIT - The World Seen from Rome
16. august 2002