May 1, 2012

HRH The Prince of Wales to Visit Historic Toronto Charity Yonge Street Mission

TORONTO, ON:

His Royal Highness The Prince of Wales will visit Yonge Street Mission on Tuesday, May 22, 2012 to hear business leaders and young people discuss the barriers to employment at-risk youth can face.

The Prince of Wales will meet with top executives and at-risk youth as part of The Prince’s Charities Seeing is Believing Program. The program is designed to give business leaders a clearer understanding of how they can help create solutions to a range of social issues. Yonge Street Mission is one of the first two Canadian charities to be selected to participate as the program is expanded to Canada.

The young people involved in the visit came to the Mission for help in turning their lives around. They include 26-year-old Korey Griffiths, who was once involved with drug dealing and prostitution. Korey has just been offered an internship with Toronto Printing House, which was arranged by Janice O’Born, CEO of The Printing House Charitable Office.

Yonge Street Mission was established in 1896, when the Prince’s great-great-grandmother, Queen Victoria, was the reigning monarch. For 116 years we have worked to meet the needs of all people living with poverty, providing emergency care while fostering long-term transformation.

Yonge Street Mission offers 100 programs and services, including a food bank, meals, health care for street youth, computer camps, daycare, and summer camps. Last year, we welcomed 15,000 people in more than 184,000 visits.

The visit takes place Tuesday, May 22, 2012.

For more information, please contact Jon Brandt, Mission Development Director, at 416-575-1598.

“Why do you look for the living among the dead? He is not here; he has risen!  Luke 24:5b-6a

The heart of Christian faith is not love or grace or forgiveness as ideas, although they are great ideas. The heart of Christian faith is those things manifested in a Person. Jesus Christ manifested love and grace and forgiveness once and for all in the Gift of His Life given for us on the cross.

It is tragic that despite the beauty of His words, His life, His ideas and His character, He was put to death. How can One so beautiful have been so despised?

The amazing part is that He willingly went to the cross and doing so He proved His love for all humanity. If ever we should doubt love or grace or God’s forgiveness, we can look back at the cross and be reassured.

At Yonge Street Mission the best we have to offer, as we serve our community, is not ideas, not great programs or services. The best we have to offer is Jesus. Jesus is best practice. Jesus is the best future, the greatest hope, the fullest gift we could ever give to those we serve. Pray that at Easter as at all times our efforts would lead to many coming to know the Best, the Christ, God incarnate, God who is with us always.

In the Western Church, Ash Wednesday is the first day of Lent, the 40-day period of fasting before Easter. This is a remarkable time of year, because Lent gives us 40 days to resist the speed and indulgences that keeps us distracted, and lets us become very intentional in preparing to celebrate Easter. The word Lent means “to lengthen”, to draw things out so we can really see and understand them. The Lenten period came about in the church in an effort to imitate the 40 days Jesus spent alone in the desert, preparing for the work before him. During this time he fasted and prayed, and was tempted by the devil, but he resisted and did not give in to any of it. This is the reason many Christians “give up” something like chocolate. Some of us may have come from backgrounds where the discipline of giving up something for 40 days, or celebrating Lent in other ways was a very common practice. In fact, it may have been so common that it stopped being significant. Or some of us may have come from backgrounds where Lent wasn’t observed at all; the 40 days leading up to Easter were just the 40 days leading up to Easter.

Symbols have always been important for human beings, because they allow us to experience tangibly what is often intangible. For example, we express the intangible nature of commitment in marriage with the symbol of a ring. We associate the symbol of a dove with the intangible concept of peace. A horseshoe stands for good luck. A light bulb stands for a good idea. And on and on.

Symbol of Fire – the presence of God, the Refiner’s Fire

There the angel of the LORD appeared to him in flames of fire from within a bush. Moses saw that though the bush was on fire it did not burn up. -Exodus 3:2

Another use of fire in the Bible was to prepare offerings for God. Many of us have probably read about God instructing the Israelites to bring their offerings to the altar and allow it to be consumed by flames.

The thing about burnt offerings is, there’s no part that can remain leftover and be used – it must all be consumed by the flame. Hence, an offering to God made in fire was a willingness to turn over something precious and valuable in its entirety, to render it ashes.

Symbol of Ashes – reminder of our humility

On Ash Wednesday, ashes are blessed, mixed with either holy oil or water, and placed upon the head with the sign of the cross, or sprinkled on the forehead. The ashes are made from burning palm branches blessed the previous year on Palm Sunday. When the ashes are used to make the cross on someone’s forehead, we say “remember man you are dust, and to dust you will return.” (see Genesis 3:19).

The ashes serve a dual purpose. First, as the above words imply, we are reminded of our mortality and humanity as we begin the Lenten season. Second, the ashes are a Biblical symbol of repentance, sorrow, and humility. There are many cases in the Scriptures of wearing ashes as a sign of penitence, often while wearing sackcloth. In 2 Samuel 13:19, Tamar puts on ashes and tears her clothes as a sign of sadness and repentance. In Esther 4:1-3, after learning of the king’s decree to kill all Jews, Mordecai tears his garments, and puts on sackcloth and ashes. His fellow Jews do the same thing, as well as beginning to fast. The prophet Jeremiah (6:26) urges his readers to “gird on sackcloth and roll in ashes.”

So as we meditate on this symbol, we see that it flies in the face of our arrogance and self-importance. It reminds us that we’re impermanent, and that we are all made of the same stuff. It’s a leveling for us, for all of us. No matter how important we might be in the eyes of our communities, no matter how much money we make, or how good our reputations are, or even if we’ve felt like failures our whole lives, we will all eventually return to the earth. We all came into the world the same way, and we will all leave the world through death.

Throughout the Bible, people wore ashes on their heads as a sign of sorrow and repentance. It was a meaningful, symbolic way of humbling themselves before God and expressing their desire to be forgiven. The action has lasted throughout the centuries. For many who love and follow God, it’s still a part of the ritual and tradition of their faith.

Symbol of Oil – the symbol of God’s anointing

The oil is used as a symbol of consecration, healing, and even joy. Anointing someone or something with oil is a way of setting something apart from common, ordinary use, and dedicating it to God’s purpose. Oil often represents the presence of God in this way, so it’s frequently used to anoint those who are sick, for God’s presence is a healing presence.

Perhaps we can see some connections coming together in how these common symbols link us with God and his plan for creation. Created from dust, purified by fire, set apart or healed with oil. All very common and visceral things, but when looked at through the lens of faith, they take on a whole new meaning and importance. There is something very powerful and mysterious about God’s use of ordinary things, to show us himself, and to show us ourselves.

“No one ever told me I did something ‘amazing’ until I came to Yonge Street Mission,” Uttara Chowdhury told a capacity crowd at the International Women’s Day celebration on March 7. Uttara admitted she had been lonely and scared and felt she didn’t belong in Canada. Taking a computer course through the Women & Family Program was the first step in her rise to excellence – the theme of this year’s event.

“Don’t tell yourself you are here for your children,” Uttara advised the audience of mainly immigrant women. “Your life and your dreams are important too. If you achieve, your children will follow your example.”

Munira Abukar, the youngest member ever elected to the Toronto Community Housing Board, brought the room to tears as she paid tribute to her mother, an immigrant from Somalia who always encouraged her eight daughters to succeed. The 19-year-old Munira is studying Criminal Justice at Ryerson University.

“My mother told me, ‘Of course you should apply to go on the Board!’ Empowerment was important in my house. My mom gave up a lot to raise nine children. She expected us to reach for the top.”

A third speaker at the Women’s Day event was male. Jeffrey Perera represented the White Ribbon Campaign whose aim is to educate and engage men in the world-wide effort to stop violence against women. He spoke of his own experience of domestic violence growing up.

“This is a conversation for every culture and both genders,” said Jeffrey. “We need to change the messages we give boys (such as ‘boys don’t cry’) so they can express emotions and not feel violence is the only way to express themselves.”

Following the program, the audience enjoyed an array of international food specialties prepared by Women & Family participants. “Every day is Women’s Day,” said one. “Without us, there would be nothing!”

And Happy National Volunteer Week YSM Volunteers!!
THANK YOU you for ALL you do!

Angie has been a faithful employee of Yonge Street Mission (YSM) for 4 ½ years. Beginning as an employment counselor at Evergreen, she saw a need for a mentoring program here at YSM. She has taken this program to new heights of success and has worked closely with staff and volunteers to help create mentoring programs for multiple youth, adults, women and now even our children’s department.

In Angie’s own words, “I can’t begin to explain how the mentors in this program have helped shape my life.  You all have inspired me with your love and care for our community.  I will be forever grateful for the friendships I have made with you, and for being a part of something that is so meaningful to our future.”

At this time we are still figuring out the details of a replacement for Angie’s position.  Angie will be here until March 23rd and during the transition time, please contact Ruth Pentinga (Director of Volunteer Resources) for any supports you might need.  Her contact info is: rpentinga@ysm.ca or 416-929-9614 ext. 4236.

Please extend your good wishes, blessings and thanks to Angie over the next few weeks as she winds down her duties and moves into this new phase of the journey. And may God bless her as she goes….

Star of CTV’s The Listener, Ennis Esmer, was an enthusiastic walker along with fellow castmates Rainbow Francks and Arnold Pinnock and actors Peter Keleghan and Leah Pinsent offered encouraging words as the walkers began. Walkers included donors, volunteers, sponsors, staff and program participants. Congratulations to Starbucks staff who pitched in with 90 walkers!
“Like many Torontonians, I take for granted how easy it is to turn on the heat when it’s cold in the winter. Considering that there are people in this city that can’t do that, among other things, it’s a no-brainer to support groups like Yonge Street Mission. Also I look good with rosy cheeks. That’s the main reason I’m walking,” said Ennis Esmer as he set out.


Top individual fundraiser Peter Levitt, walking with his daughter, raised $10,635, saying “It is not possible or right to give to every panhandler on the street but it IS possible to donate to organizations that help the hungry, homeless and hurting people in our communities.”
Thanks to media sponsors Classical 96.3 and AM740. For live coverage, see City TV’s website.

Coldest Night of the Year took place in 17 other cities across Canada on the same night, raising funds for a different charity in each city. Thank you to everyone who walked, donated, sponsored and cheered us on. Your support made us feel all warm inside!

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February 22, 2012

Yonge Street Mission Braves The Coldest Night of the Year

TORONTO, ON:

Yonge Street Mission is taking to the streets on February 25th, 2012, to participate in The Coldest Night of the Year and raise money for some of Toronto’s most vulnerable people.

Star of CTV’s The Listener, Ennis Esmer, has signed up as a walker and actors Peter Keleghan and Leah Pinsent will offer encouraging words as the walkers set out.

The Coldest Night of the Year walkathon travels through some of Toronto’s poorest neighbourhoods. Participants gain a sense of what life is like for the hungry, the homeless and the hurting who are living on our streets while also raising funds to help make a change. Similar walks will take place in 17 other locations across Canada on the same night.

The Toronto walk will begin and end at Yonge Street Mission’s location at Parliament and Gerrard streets. Walkers will receive warm toques and free hot drinks along the 5 or 10K routes, thanks to our event sponsor Starbucks. Post-walk dinner will be provided by sponsor Daniel et Daniel. Media sponsors are Classical 96.3 and AM740.

This year’s new goal is $70,000 and we have already raised over $50,000 with 188 walkers registered. Teams include Yonge Street Mission donors, staff, volunteers, community members and sponsors. The walk begins at 5 p.m.
Yonge Street Mission has served the poor in Toronto since 1896, bringing help and hope to people in need.

For information, contact:
Jon Unger Brandt, Director of Development
Yonge Street Mission
306 Gerrard St. East
416-929-9614 X4259
www.coldestnightoftheyear.org

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My name is Kelly DeVries and I am the new Volunteer Resources Coordinator here at Yonge Street Mission. I am so excited about this role and the possibility of working with staff, volunteers and community members. What a blessing!

I first became involved at Yonge Street Mission as the Christmas Toy Market Logistics Coordinator this past fall. I was hired on to help facilitate the Christmas Toy Market. As part of this role I had the privilege of meeting community members who participated in our program.

There was a lot of lead up to the event, but the 8 days of the actual Toy Market were a huge success! And so much fun!

Of course this large of an event would not have been possible without our wonderful volunteers! In the month of December, with all our Christmas programs, we had over 1000 volunteers!

Thank you so much for your constant smiles, enthusiasm and service.

I also want to say a special thank you to Wendy Robbins, my predecessor, who has done a wonderful job over the past 2 ½ years supporting our volunteers and staff. People loved her sense of humour, computer savvy skills, and how friendly she was. Thank you Wendy!