Community Outreach

Our mandate…

The Outreach Committee promotes awareness of the needs and struggles of people in the community and beyond, and enables the Congregation to reach out to those in need, in a caring and supportive way.

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What we do…

 ACSA

We ensure that offerings directed to specific organizations such as Agincourt Community Services Association  (ACSA) are appropriately forwarded.  In 2008, monetary donations towards the work of ACSA exceeded $6,000.  This was in addition to the food donated each week by members of our congregation.

In August, 2008 ACSA and Knox signed a Food Partnership agreement.  The Outreach Committee contributes $250 every three months to ACSA for the purchase of perishable food items for distribution through its food bank.  Individuals and families who come to Knox seeking emergency food assistance will be referred to ACSA for such assistance, and will also have access to the wide variety of other services which ACSA offers.

Out of the Cold

Since January 2006, Knox has hosted an Out Of The Cold program in the Christian Centre on Friday nights from November to March.  Working together with other faith groups and organizations in Scarborough, we provide a hot dinner for up to 40 individuals, and a warm place to sleep, breakfast and a packed lunch for as many as 20 guests.  It has been very rewarding to see the relationships and fellowship which have developed over these years, among the guests, and between guests and volunteers.

In 2009-2010, Knox  has full responsibility for the first night, November 6.  In addition, a member of Knox sleeps in the Christian Centre each week, providing a Knox presence between the time the group responsible for the program that week leaves in the evening, and returns in the morning to provide breakfast.

Habitat for Humanity

Knox has been a supporter of Habitat for Humanity for a number of years.  Members of Knox have participated in builds. and we have also been involved in providing lunches for Habitat volunteers.  We have donated many, many aluminum pop cans which are sold to raise money in support of Habitat.

 As one of the 9 member churches of the Scarborough Faith Community Build group, Knox contributions helped the group to achieve its goal of raising $80,000 to build one Habitat house.  The goal was reached in 2008, and the Anwar family has already moved into their new home.  A recognition plaque received from Habitat is mounted in the Heritage Room.

Nearly New Shop

Each winter, a group of Knox volunteers co-ordinates and staffs the Nearly New Shop, which is open every Wednesday afternoon. The Shop provides members of the community with the opportunity to buy good quality used clothing at low prices.   Proceeds from the sales are donated to many charitable organizations in the community.

Mission and Service

Again last year, our congregation’s strong support of the Mission and Service Fund enabled Knox to exceed our pledge.  The M & S Fund is a United Church fund which supports programs in communities both in Canada and throughout the world.  Each year, we have a special Mission and Service Sunday.  We invite guest speakers, such as missionaries and others involved in the programs of the Mission and Service Fund, to share their experiences with the congregation.  In October, 2009, we welcomed Rev. Maki Fushii,  who was a minister in Japan before moving to Canada a few years ago.

Benevolent Fund

The Benevolent Fund is used to support organizations in our local community.  Each year, on Outreach Sunday, we invite a representative from one of these groups to tell the congregation about the work of their organization.  Habitat for Humanity, Casey House, ACSA,  Julliette’s Place, and Out of the Cold are just some of the programs that our congregation has learned more about through these special services.

From time to time, the Outreach Committee launches special financial appeals, to assist communities affected by disasters such as hurricanes and earthquates.  In addition, we coordinate appeals such as ACSA’s request for backpacks and school supplies at the beginning of each school year.

We also take opportunities to raise awareness of social justice issues in the congregation.  Prior to the last election, Knox hosted an All-Candidates Community Night for the Agincourt federal riding in the Christian Education building.  In December, 2008, we collected 99 signatures on a petition sent to the Prime Minister asking that the Government support peace and respect for human rights in the Democratic Republic of Congo.  Some members of the Outreach Committee have been involved with the Scarborough Interfaith Affordable Housing Association, which is looking at ways to provide/advocate for more affordable housing in Scarborough.