Dear Friends,

Thank you for your contributions of advice and financial support to the special Aceh campaign. 

In 2005, the special appeal resulted in $34,800 in contributions to the Aceh campaign fund, matched by a contribution from Hugh and Kate McLean.  The McLeans have offered to match additional contributions up to $15,200 in 2006.  Therefore, each additional dollar contributed to the Aceh campaign this year will still be matched, thereby extending the impact of your gift. 

This is a fantastic result that provides an important base for the Aceh program.  We have a number of foundation grants pending, and with your continued support, we are well on our way to funding the entire budget of the two-year project.  Bob and Alice Evans have just completed the second round of workshops.  Their initial reports are that momentum is building and results are exceeding expectations on many fronts.  If you haven’t yet seen Alice Evans' reflections from their last visit, they are available here.

Many thanks to you for your contributions to this important initiative.

With peace,

The Plowshares Team
Matthew Bennett, Bob and Alice Evans, Elizabeth Vélez