Outreach Activities in 2007

The Outreach Committee‘s mandate is "As stewards of congregational funds allocated to outreach, to prudently distribute those funds to reflect the wishes of the congregation; to provide opportunities and encourage the congregation to make meaningful and useful contributions to worthy charities both "hands on" and financially, and to find and recommend worthy outreach projects to the congregation." 

Once again, due to fairly limited manpower and funds, we concentrated a large part of our activities on three organizations which have been recipients of support from St.Tim’s for several years. We led the congregation in raising funds for and giving “hands on” service to each organization. These were Moorelands, The Stop and St. George House. 

In 2007, the Parish Outreach Budget was increased by 60% over 2006. This money was mainly distributed to The Stop, Moorelands Camp, Habitat for Humanity, Faithworks, Primate's World Relief and Development Fund, Sprint, Eva's Place, North York Women's Shelter, and various purchases for St George House.

The congregation participated in many projects spearheaded by the Outreach committee throughout the year:

• about 100 grocery bags full of food was given to The Stop through ongoing Sunday food donations
  
• seedlings were donated for The Stop's garden including 60 broccoli and at least 18 tomato plants
  
• buying raffle tickets to support The Stop
  
• contributed 10 days to Habitat for Humanity builds
  
• cooked 9 dinners for St George House
  
• cooked, set up, cleaned up, donated food & money for our three Stone Soup lunches to raise money for the Stephen Lewis Foundation, The Stop and Parkdale Activity and Recreation Centre
  
• contributed gifts for Moorelands Baby Bundles on Mothers Day
  
• signed a petition regarding the need for more affordable Housing
  
• passed a non-partisan resolution at Vestry stating 'this vestry urges the provincial government to make affordable and supportive housing a high priority in the 2007 provincial government'
  
• wrote letters to MPP's regarding the need for a higher minimum wage
  
• baked at least 30 batches of cookies or squares for St George House residents 
  
• sent birthday cards for St George House residents
  
• spent a work weekend at Moorelands Camp, creating a better environment for the campers
  
• bought a Christmas gift for a St George House resident
  
• bought a Christmas gift for Moorelands Family Christmas hampers
  
• knit comfort dolls
  
• knit beautiful sweater and bonnet sets for needy newborns
  
• crocheted amazing blankets and sweaters and toys for needy newborns
  
• donated gently used warm clothes for PARC
  
• supported the Old Orchard Blossoms Grandmothers' Day collection
  
• attended a fundraiser concert
  
• volunteered at The Stop
  

What was all this worth? Our guess is at least 200% of our budget.

In addition to these Outreach Committee projects, other St Timothy′s groups have helped others significantly this year. It's a record we are proud of.

Many thanks to all parishioners who helped out those in need in 2007.