Outreach

Fred Fox – Special Guest Speaker at Meet U @ The Zoom Room

February 9, 2022

Join us on Wednesday February 9th at 10:30am on Zoom for a special Meet U @ The Zoom Room speaker event with renowned speaker Fred Fox on behalf of his brother and the Terry Fox Foundation.

More about Fred Fox:
Fred Fox never imagined that he would take part in one of the most inspiring stories in Canadian history when he watched his brother Terry set out on his Marathon of Hope in April of 1980. He had the opportunity to join Terry a couple of times on the road that summer and watch as Canadians embraced his brother in a remarkable way. Fred’s commitment to Terry’s cancer research legacy never wavered, leading the Terry Fox Foundation’s BC Office from 1994 to 2001 and then moving to the National Office in 2009 to serve as Manager of Supporter Relations.

All welcome to hear how Fred supports cancer research and continued dedication to his brother’s legacy. Please share the Zoom link with a friend.

Zoom link:

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/88398757927?pwd=RUtiMm9GVzVpK1pEVmgvM3BGUUdRQT09
Meeting ID: 883 9875 7927
Passcode: 666497

Phone In:

For those phoning please:

  1. Dial either phone number: 647-558-0588 or 647-374-4685
  2. Put in the Meeting ID number: 883 9875 7927
  3. Put in the Password number: 666497
  4. If asked for a participant ID, just press #
  5. Unmute your phone by pressing *6

Reaching out to our unhoused neighbours

January 26, 2022
Photo used with permission by Rev. Stephen Milton, January 20th Demonstration downtown Toronto

It’s cold out there!

The mix of the Omicron surge, frigid winter temperatures, and a lack of adequate beds to shelter those affected by the mounting housing crisis, is affecting our most vulnerable, the unhoused. This month, the city’s shelter intake ‘crashed’ turning people out into the streets. What is needed? 

Emergency Survival Supplies: for those on the streets and in encampments

Organizations providing outreach are looking for tents, winter sleeping bags, warm gloves, winter boots, winter coats, hoodies, etc. LUC COVID Relief funds have gone towards such purchases this month; hoodies and sweatpants were delivered to Eastminster’s Out of the Cold, and survival supplies to Sanctuary, one of the downtown distribution depots. Donating to this fund is one way you can help, as disbursements to meet needs of food and shelter insecurity are ongoing. The church will not be collecting items at this time. If you have suitable items to donate, please contact Emily or me for information on drop off locations.

Immediate Pressure on the City

The Shelter and Housing Justice Network has identified core demands of the city for additional protection and services such as more warming centres, opening these at higher temperatures, a moratorium on encampment evictions during this crisis, expanded overdose prevention within the shelters, and demands relating to COVID / infection control.  Dozens and dozens of organizations, including members of Faith in the City, have joined together, through rallies, letters, and press releases, in a united plea for the city to respond.   

In the Longer Term

As faithful Christians we should be part of the bigger solution. How can we be an informed voice, working towards justice with partners and all levels of government, in how we frame sharing lands and space to ensure a safe home and community for all.  

Sheila Lacroix
on behalf of Leaside United

Note: If you are connected with real estate, development, or other work that relates to housing in our city, and would be interested in being part of a larger conversation about what we can do towards housing solutions in our city with the North Toronto Cluster of Churches, please contact Emily Gordon (emily@leasideuc.com)

Online Trivia Night in support of El Hogar

February 27, 2022

Register today for our online Trivia Night!

Saturday, Feb. 26 – 7 p.m.

This event is a fundraiser in support of El Hogar Projects in Honduras, a non-profit organization founded in 1979 that provides an elementary and high school education – and in some cases, a home – to help lift disadvantaged children and their families out of poverty

The Details:
The evening begins with a live greeting from El Hogar’s Executive Director in Honduras, Denise Vargas.

Then comes the online trivia game, in which teams of up to 4 people answer a total of 80 questions in 8 categories, from easy to challenging. You participate in the trivia game through a browser window on your computer; you also dial into a Zoom call at the same time to hear how the game works, etc. You may need a separate device (e.g., smartphone) to view the game and the Zoom call simultaneously.

Prizes will be awarded to the first, second and third place teams.

A tailgate pack for each team member (containing snacks and drinks) will be delivered to the team captain’s home several days in advance of game day (within GTA only).

Naturally, the focus is on having fun – and supporting this great cause during this particularly challenging period.

How to get involved:
Assemble your team. Up to 4 players per team including a team captain. If everyone is not at the same location, arrange a way for you to quickly communicate (e.g., group phone call).

Register your team. By Saturday Feb. 19, each team captain emails us with the team captain’s name, address and phone number; the names of all team members; and the team name.

Pay your entry fee. By Saturday Feb. 19, EACH team member needs to pay a $25 fee to participate. Login to the El Hogar Projects (Canada) donations webpage and select “Trivia Night (Feb. 26)” in the dropdown box. Be sure to click the “Optional: Any other comments or notes” checkbox and enter the name of your team and team captain. If possible, please pay your entry fee via an e-Transfer (so we avoid paying credit card processing fees). Note that we cannot issue tax receipts for entry fees.

Get ready to play. In the week before the event, full instructions will be sent to the team leader, including the Zoom call details.

Game time! The zoom call will open at 6:45 p.m. on Feb. 26, so we can start right on time at 7:00 p.m.

QUESTIONS? Email us!

Outdoors Christmas Bake Sale at Leaside United in support of El Hogar

December 20, 2021

The annual Christmas Bake Sale in support of El Hogar is back with a new twist. Pick up holiday treats Sunday at 11:15am and until sold out on December 19th at Leaside United, we’ll be hosting a Tailgate Treats Bake Sale outside of the McRae Street Church entrance. This is a great opportunity to pick up your holiday goodies.

All proceeds will go to the children of El Hogar in Honduras.