Sylvain Fabi, the consul general of Canada for the U.S. Mountain West Region, recently toured the welfare operations of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. His visit on January 22 and 23, 2024, marked his second trip to the Church’s global headquarters.
In the heart of the Church’s welfare operations, Fabi expressed admiration for the organization’s efficiency, stating, “What you do is quite admirable, and what is impressive is the scale at which you do it and the management and organization of the work.” He emphasized the significance of efficiency in multiplying the impact of humanitarian efforts and commended the Church for its well-organized approach to helping those in need.
Erlynn Lansing, director of Church Hosting, spoke about feeling blessed with resources to assist others. Fabi commented, “It’s more than luck because providence provides you with something you have a choice to do or not do, and you do it well.”
In discussing the Church’s global welfare efforts, Fabi learned that the Church engages local grocery stores to provide food in areas without a bishops’ storehouse. Fabi expressed appreciation for the Church’s strategic approach, stating, “That is a nice consideration.” This thoughtful collaboration ensures a co-operative effort that not only aids those in need but also avoids unnecessary competition, contributing positively to the surrounding communities’ economic vitality.
Fabi emphasized the significance of self-reliance, applauding the Church’s endeavours in establishing comprehensive, full-circle operations. During the visit to Deseret Industries, a thrift store and donation centre that provides job training, he remarked, “Your real wish is to never see these people again because they made it. Or, if you do see them, it’s in another version and they are here to help.”
Fabi concluded his visit by commending the Church’s holistic approach, stating, “Sometimes there is no capacity to go beyond, ‘I’ll give you food,’ which is good, but to have a full-circle operation is a bit more of an undertaking, and it’s admirable that you have the full circle.” The Church’s main objective with its welfare programs is to care for those in need while teaching principles that promote self-reliance and self-respect.