Relief Society in Action: November 2024

Relief Society in Action highlights the volunteer service of Latter-day Saint women in their communities around the world. The Relief Society is an organization of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints for women age 18 and older. It has more than 7.1 million members and is one of the largest women’s organizations in the world. Today, we feature news spanning the last few months from Australia, Indonesia, El Salvador, Korea and Canada.

Australia: Supporting Women and Children

In June, the Relief Society General Presidency of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints announced the expansion of their global initiative for women and children. This initiative was started in 2023, and since then, the Church has donated $99.8 million to support global childhood nutrition efforts and local Relief Societies are organizing child screenings and nutrition support for local communities. This initiative also prioritizes maternal and newborn care, immunizations and education.

In July, to contribute to this effort, Relief Society members in Canberra joined with the Zonta Club of Canberra Breakfast and others to assemble 2,500 birthing kits to send to women in developing countries.

Indonesia: Global Child Nutrition Effort Expands

The global initiative for women and children has been implemented in Africa, Central America and the Philippines, and in September, it expanded to Indonesia.

Over two weekends, the program took in 90 children and four expectant mothers. Nearly 70% of the children screened by the Church were at risk of malnutrition or were already experiencing moderate or severe malnutrition effects.

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“We are incredibly grateful for the program, as it helps us as parents to understand our child’s needs,” said Ervina Prayitno, who brought her two-year-old son to be screened.

The children and expectant mothers first underwent nutritional screening. Families then met with a health professional from the Nahdlatul Ulama (NU), the largest Islamic organization in the world, who interpreted their results and recommended an action plan.

“This collaboration is very beneficial because stunting is a national and significant problem in Indonesia. I hope this collaboration will continue in the future and have a comprehensive impact on Indonesia,” said Dr. Yosi Eka Putri from the NU executive board.

After the screening, families were connected to resources through their Church community. Plans were then made to hold monthly nutritional screenings, creating a system that will assess ongoing needs.

“I feel the Church has an extraordinary program that supports us not only spiritually but also physically, preparing us to raise a better generation,” said one of the pregnant mothers who participated.

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More information on the women and children’s initiative and nutritional resources are available on the Church’s child nutrition website.

El Salvador: An Act of Love for Hospital Patients

To celebrate National Hospital Day on October 24, Relief Society members in San Salvador donated 150 packages of clothing and 150 kits filled with personal hygiene items for patients at the National Psychiatric Hospital.

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Fidelina Orellana, head of the Psychiatric Nursing Unit, expressed her gratitude, saying, “Sending us these supplies...is undoubtedly an act of love for those [they] do not even know. Thank you very much.”

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Korea: Building Bridges

The Seoul Korea Stake Relief Society hosted a bazaar on Saturday, October 26, along with the Central Sign Language Branch (a small congregation). The event included a flea market, food sales, games and sign language workshops for the neighborhood. The event aimed to promote understanding and foster friendships with the sign language community.

Canada: Serving Children in Need

In November in Dartmouth, Nova Scotia, Relief Society members made over 700 feeding tube patches for a hospital that serves women, children, youth and families in multiple provinces. These soft patches are placed between the skin and a feeding tube to prevent irritation.

Local Relief Society President Irene Hirtle said, “I wanted to do a service project for a need that effected the whole province — something that touches every area in Nova Scotia.”

And in Ontario, on November 2, 200 Relief Society members gathered books and clothing to donate to children in need. They also donated winter clothing to a local family center.

An Invitation

On November 13, Relief Society General President Camille N. Johnson attended the Salt Lake City, Utah, kickoff event for the Light the World Giving Machines. These unique vending machines are sponsored by the Church of Jesus Christ and provide an opportunity to purchase essential items and services for others around the world during the Christmas season. President Johnson invited all to participate in this special opportunity to care for those in need.

Find the nearest Giving Machine to you here.