Outreach Committee
The Outreach Committee of Northlea United Church continues to participate in many opportunities related to social justice. A summary of the activities in the year 2010 follows.
Outreach Committee
Our committee meets every other month to organize social justice and fund-raising initiatives. Being a member of the committee is part of the joy of contributing to Northlea and the broader community. We welcome suggestions from the congregation and other interested people about potential work, partnerships or needs that could be addressed by our committee. Messages can be left for the chairperson of the committee through the Church Office. We will continue our efforts on behalf of the congregation to make a difference to others in our world, either locally or internationally. The Outreach board in the Narthex is a good source of information. Read about events and opportunities to volunteer.
Christian Resource Centre
We support the Christian Resource Centre (CRC) in Regent Park in a variety of ways. Thank you to all of the supporters who donated to the silver pail with a cow on the lid beside the Outreach Board. The money collected every Sunday assists the CRC to purchase fresh milk for those receiving daily meals. Special thanks to Isabell Robertson for collecting the loose change, rolling it and taking it to the bank all year around.
Non perishable food items for the CRC can be donated in the bin under the Outreach Board year round. Warm winter clothing as well as anything else in good condition is welcome. Toiletry items for men and women are always warmly received (shaving cream, disposable razors, deodorant, moisturizer, hand cleanser, etc). The items are picked up every couple of weeks.
CRC continues to hold Learn ‘n Dine activities and is currently in a new location while the Centre is rebuilt. If you are interested in becoming a volunteer please contact the CRC at 416-363-4234.
Sleeping Children Around the World
In the months leading up to Christmas, our congregation generously supported the Sleeping Children Around the World organization with over $5000 to buy approximately 130 bedkits. Coordinated by Roger Touw, this annual contribution clothes and ensures the safety of sleeping children in Southeastern Asia.
Food Drive
The 39th year of the Ecumenical, Community Canned Food Collection occurred in November 2010. Many churches and community agencies were involved, posting lawn signs, delivering flyers, collecting and delivering donations. There were 17,743 items collected. This multi-generational event is a superb volunteer effort coordinated by John Dekker and Isabell Robertson.
Lunch and Learn
A selected community partner meets with us to present their organization, a social need, an audience for our consideration when volunteering and fund-raising. Lunch is served and conversation is always stimulating.
White Gift Sunday
White Gift Sunday offerings for 2010 were shared with the Christian Resource Centre and Touchstone youth services.
Carolling in the Pines
This annual community outreach event was held for the second time under the beautiful pine trees on the front-lawn of the church in December 2010. In partnership with the Congregational Life Committee, the Salvation Army received over $1500. A musical event worth repeating!
Lenten Appeal
Participation in the establishment of a Social Justice Position for Southeast Presbytery
As a result of the amalgamation of two churches, Fairlawn United Church has taken the lead in a project to define and hire a social justice position for Southeast Presbytery. A representative from Northlea United is on the Steering Committee which is working towards a Spring 2011 hiring date. This two year project is a pilot designed
- to facilitate the development of a social justice ministry within and amongst Presbytery congregations and
- to support the development of the capacity of these congregations to assume ownership of and provide leadership for their ongoing social justice ministries.
- to help congregations find their voices and become more effective advocates as they work for political and economic solutions to the root causes of injustice
The project will be supported by a full time Social Justice Coordinator using a community development perspective to support congregations and groups of congregations to identify and act on social justice issues of importance to them.
Other Appeals
The Outreach Committee contributed on behalf of the congregation to Touchstone and Massey Centre.