| The Homeless and Less Fortunate |
Kerr Street Community Services A vision without toil is but a dream while toil without a vision is but drudgery. A vision, however, with toil is the hope of the future. Today, hope which represents a desire with expectation for fulfillment must be nurtured by those who are most able. To this end, BWI’s unconditional funds provided were doubled and given to Kerr Street Community Services (KSCS) in Oakville, ON. KSCS provides inexpensive good food (and if truly necessary free food) to the poor, along with free clothing and small household goods to needy homemakers. Its survival is through the faith of others who believe in this mission. Today, Kerr Street Ministries supports 400 households (850+ individuals) from Oakville, Burlington, Milton and Mississauga.
Through prearranged terms, this monetary gift was used to buy quality recycled wool sweaters from Mercury Accessories Inc., which is a wholesaler of sunglasses and recycled clothing. The normal cost is $7.50 plus GST for each sweater (which has a retail value of $15.00 on the street). However through their faith and generosity the sweaters are transacted at $3.50 plus GST to Kerr Street Community Services. One hundred and twenty sweaters will be distributed free to those in need, thus allowing those with bruised hope to better enjoy this festive season through an act of love. - Bob and Mary Catherine Acheson
Carver Center We have chosen the Carver Center, which serves hot meals to 50-75 needy people each Saturday in cooperation with Helping Hands for the Homeless and Hungry. We support the Carver Center because it helps underprivileged families in our own “backyard.” The center is in the town of Port Chester, which is located between Rye, NY and Greenwich, CT, ironically two of the most affluent communities in the United States. It is also a place where our children have volunteered to work by helping children with homework and a variety of sporting activities. As such, it is more than simply a place to which we give money. - Brian E. Walsh
Shepherds of Good Hope Once again this year I am the recipient of the generous contribution of BWI toward a charity of my choice. On behalf of the Shepherds of Good Hope, please let me thank you for assisting me to continue helping the Shepherds with their good work. By matching your donation, I am able to give $500 this year to feed the hungry and shelter the homeless. Last year, from April to the end of October, the Shepherds of Good Hope fed thousands of people, three meals a day, in a parking lot across from their premises while renovations were underway. The renovations were badly needed, the volunteer cooks found themselves in a dangerous situation with their feet falling through rotting floor boards, with the disintegrating wiring making cooking a hazard and dangerous situation every day. The work is now finished and people can once again be served indoors. This year the Shepherds of Good Hope have taken on a new challenge—one of finding and expanding shelter for the homeless. Their current premises are inadequate to the need in many respects. Finding appropriate space at an affordable price, and in a neighbourhood that will be accepting, has been a great challenge. This contribution will assist them in their efforts, as will all our prayers. -Diane Wood
St. Clements My contribution went to help create food baskets through Family Baskets at St. Clements. - Rob Hines Second Harvest I first became aware of Second Harvest when I assisted Bonnie Stern, the renowned cooking teacher and cookbook author, in launching “Taste of Toronto,” a charitable event benefiting this charity. This year, when I reached the 50-year milestone, I asked my friends not to give presents but to contribute to a charity instead. Bonnie reminded me of Second Harvest when she donated funds in my name. Now, with my Brendan Wood International cheque in hand, I thought of Second Harvest and have forwarded my contribution to the group. Second Harvest locates and collects surplus quality perishable food that would otherwise be wasted. Food is collected from donors including hotels and restaurants, grocery and specialty retailers, bakeries, food manufacturers—and from private and business functions, TV, film and photo shoots. Food is then distributed to 121 social service agencies in Metro Toronto that assist people in crisis. Recipients range from street people, runaways, ex-offenders, refugees and women and their children feeling violence in their homes. Last year, Second Harvest distributed 3.3 million pounds of food. It is an example of a group that is directly effective, serving its constituency with a minimum of overhead. - Richard Rotman and Gloria Stein
Covenant House We donated to the Covenant House because at the time it was very cold outside and we felt that an organization like the Covenant House that provides food and shelter for Toronto's needy was one of the best of all causes. Also, because we have kids we feel an even stronger bond for the Covenant House, as its efforts are dedicated toward kids who are in need. - Patrick Wood |
