World Youth Day Registration and Financial Results

Toronto, August 9, 2002 – WYD today released financial and registration information and is appealing for assistance to cover the estimated $30 million deficit.

Archbishop Anthony Meagher, Chair of the 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. We knew that there was likely to be a deficit and now we think it will be $30 million. We appeal to anyone who wants to help with this investment.”

Dioceses across Canada are assuming the deficit. All suppliers will be paid.

Anyone wishing to help with a donation for which you can receive 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 (beginning operation on Monday, August 12 and available from the United States on August 14. Hours of operation are Monday to Friday from 9:00 a.m. – 9:00 p.m. EST) 
• Mail a cheque to World Youth Day at 415 Yonge St., 9th Floor, Toronto, Ontario, M5B 2E7 
• Make a deposit at any Scotia Bank branch (account name World Youth Day 2002) 

Registration

The final estimate of paid participation is approximately 187,000. The numbers at the main events of WYD swelled much beyond this number as a result of individuals who attended without registering.