Merry Christmas

Looking back on the posts in this blog, it might be easy to believe we at ShareLife care only about money. Fundraising in our parishes, in companies and in schools - there's no denying that's what we do. I think, as we reflect on the Christmas story - the birth of Jesus, the Hope of our salvation - it's possible to better understand what ShareLife is really about.

Tonight, just as Mary and Joseph did, there will be hundreds of people on the streets looking for a place to stay. Doors will be opened to them at a number of ShareLife-funded agencies - providing shelter, food and a safe place to spend the night.

As well, Mary's labour took place in a less-than-ideal environment, surrounded by strangers. At another group of ShareLife agencies young pregnant women, who might otherwise be on their own, are receiving care and support.

As the story continues, the magi came bearing gifts. To some, the gifts were nothing but a sign of wealth and power. To the three kings, however, I'm sure they represented much more.

I'm certain ShareLife supporters view their gifts the same way. Their time, their talents, and their financial contributions are all made with heartfelt charity for the vulnerable, the needy and the marginalized. The sentiment behind the gifts is often more valuable than the gift itself. We treat gifts to ShareLife with respect and care, ensuring they are delivered to the places they are most needed.

Together, we're helping provide someone with shelter tonight. And it's possible that, tonight, with the help of a ShareLife agency, a child may be born. And throughout the Archdiocese people will be receiving gifts - gifts of care, of hope and a chance for renewal.

Merry Christmas

Christmas Spirit is alive at Mary Centre

The Advent season brings out the best in people. That notion was reinforced last week when I heard from a friend at Mary Centre, a ShareLife agency.
One of the volunteers at Mary Centre is a refugee claimant to Canada, with two children (9 and 2) here and two older children staying back in her country of origin. She takes classes during the day to upgrade her education, takes care of her two children, and commits time as a "friendly visitor" with one of the older residents at Mary Centre.
"She is so happy to be giving her time to this lady, and they hit it off like two old friends from the start," said my friend. She is spending quality time with the lady, doing activities in the community with her. It brings a new dimension to the older woman's life, as staff resources limit extended contact with the residents.
This, however, is just the start of the story. As is often the case, those who give are themselves in need, making the gift that much more significant. This is the case for the Mary Centre volunteer. While she is making time to volunteer, her own resources are spread quite thin. The staff at Mary Centre gained a sense of her situation a few months ago and this is where the tale of Christmas charity takes another turn.
The senior staff got together earlier this month to organize a gift for their volunteer, giving her help with some groceries and money to buy gifts for her kids - gifts she otherwise wouldn't have been able to afford this year. This charitable gesture will make a huge difference in her home, lightening the weight of financial stress and reinforcing the fact that we're part of a larger community - a community that's at its best when charity and neighbourly love are liberally practiced!
If you've any of your own touching stories of WONDERS being worked at ShareLife agencies, send them my way. I'd love to spread the good news!

Charity in York Catholic Board

Earlier this week, I had a chance to receive a $28,000 cheque from the staff and students of York Catholic District School Board for distaster relief in the Philippines and Indonesia. York organized a board-wide fundraising drive in response to the flooding and earthquakes in September. Never underestimate the power of Catholic schools - they work wonders every day in many ways!!

Thanks to everyone at YCDSB who organized the fundraising initiative and/or contributed to it.

(with Director of Education
Susan LaRosa and Board Trustee Marlene Mogado)

ShareLife in the spotlight at TCDSB

ShareLife is in the spotlight this month in the DirectorsVoice video message for December at Toronto Catholic District School Board!
We've been working to increase our involvement with the Catholic school community over the past few years, with some very positive results! The hope is that students will learn to recognize and respond to the calls for help from our neighbours in need, whether they're in our community or halfway around the world. It's a proud part of our Catholic tradition that needs to be encouraged today and into the future.
Check out the results of our partnership at TCDSB!

Remembering the storm victims 3 months later

It’s been nearly three months since tropical storms ripped through the Philippines and Indonesia. The victims of those natural disasters have fallen off the media radar but they haven’t been forgotten by many in our Catholic family.

Last week, the membership of the Kalayaan Cultural Community Center presented ShareLife executive director, Arthur Peters with a cheque for $7,000 to assist relief and reconstruction efforts in the Philippines – the result of the generosity of several KCCC members and local businesses.

KCCC members presenting Arthur Peters with their generous donation

Then, this week, the members of the University of the Philippines Alumni Association, Toronto presented us with a second generous contribution to the relief effort from its members – an additional $7,500, added to their previous donation of the same amount.

On behalf of the Caritas Internationalis network and all of us at ShareLife, thanks to all who have contributed to this and all the humanitarian relief efforts currently under way.

Check out http://www.sharelife.org/humanitarian.html for more information.

Charity at Work II

Below are a couple of pictures from the food preparation session at Neil McNeil yesterday.

The sandwiches made it into the hands of needy people. Now the students are preparing to extend their work a bit further on December 16. On that day, 60 students (yes, six-zero) will prepare meals and distribute food and clothing in a street patrol in some key locations in the city. The day will involve 30 Grade 9 students and 30 Grade 12s - what a great way to mentor younger students in the habit of charity!


Tim Lee Loy was on hand yesterday and was truly impressed with the work the boys are doing.

"They are really into it," he said. "You can see these guys transformed from when I first met them. It's really nice to see." - Charity builds character.

May these wonders never cease!

Charity at work at Neil McNeil

Later today, the Director of Education at the Toronto Catholic District School Board, Anne Perron is scheduled to help make sandwiches as students at Neil McNeil High School prepare to provide food to people in need on the streets of Toronto later today.

Just what is the ShareLife connection to this work of charity, you ask?

Sharelife has played an integral role in developing the Gr. 12 Religion course at Neil McNeil. Tim Lee Loy, Schools and Employees Campaign Coordinator here at ShareLife, has worked with teachers at the school to introduce a faith stewardship component to the course in an effort to make learning more hands-on through guest presentations and field trips to different centres with service opportunities. That's what today is about.

The program has been celebrated throughout the diocese and was featured in a Catholic Register article last year.

By helping the Grade 12 students today, Ms. Perron is demonstrating her support for the good work they are doing, and also for the ShareLife-informed curriculum the students are learning and acting on today!