An initiative to help the Episcopal Church of Cuba that was started by a single Anglican church in Milton, Ont. now has its own Web site and organizers hope to take it nationwide. Called Coins for Cuba, the program started informally two years ago at Grace Church when newly-appointed outreach co-ordinator John Page wondered how the parish could offer practical help to its prayer partner, the small mission church of San Pedro in Jobabo, Cuba. Mr. Page asked parishioners to toss spare change into a giant bottle. To date, more than $3,000 has been collected. In addition, a group of Grace parishioners traveled to Cuba in 2005 with supplies for San Pedro and $1,600 has been allotted for building repairs. The primate, Archbishop Andrew Hutchison brought contributions with him to Cuba last February. The Web site, www.coinsforcuba.ca, which is also supported by the diocese of Niagara, is seeking partner churches for churches in Cuba.

With files from Niagara Anglican