Transformation in Action - Christmas 2009
Click Here to download a PDF copy of our Christmas Update 2009
A Message from Our Executive Director
Let There Be Peace
It is now the season of Advent, autumn is drawing to a close and the light of the sun grows ever dimmer.
We are approaching the nadir of the year and a time of stillness in nature, everything is drawing to a close. Yet for Christians this is a time of expectation, for we await the One who is to bring peace to the world. “In his days justice shall spring up and an abundance of peace till the moon fails.” Ps 72:7It has been said that when peace rules in the hearts of men and women then peace will rule in the world. The world may not accept this, but I believe your faithful support of Evangel Hall Mission and the people we serve, stems from the peace in your heart.
This year with your help, we have provided over 80,000 meals to hungry people, housing for 130 persons previously on the street, programs for 75 ‘at risk’ youth every week, supplied over $125,000 worth of free dental care to impoverished individuals and free medical care to 160 people without access to a doctor. At ehm we meet the physical, mental, emotional and spiritual needs of people suffering extreme poverty – one person at a time.
We are proud that Charity Intelligence Canada, a non-profit organization that evaluates charities on 1) Transparency and Accountability, 2) Program Evaluation/Impact, 3) Benchmarking – Best results at lowest cost has again selected Evangel Hall Mission as one of Canada’s top performing and recommended charities for 2009. Only 32 charities were selected nationwide. ehm also won this award in 2008.
Let there be peace on earth and let it begin with me. This simple statement has been inspiring people around the world since 1955, first put to paper by songwriters Jill Jackson and Sy Miller. I think it expresses a simple and profound truth. May peace reign in o
Joseph Taylor CAE
Youth Program Update
More space to serve the needs of students
There is much fun and celebration, as the young women from our summer camp ‘Outside the Lines’ return to the Hall for a Holiday reunion to reconnect with each other and make some art. The hardworking students from our Homework Club take a break from studying to enjoy some food and relax for a change. The Boys and Girls Clubs each have their own parties, and also give back to our community by baking treats for the people staying at the ‘Out of the Cold’ program. The kids who live in ehm can look forward to a special visit from a rather jolly bearded fellow in a red suit at their own Christmas Party.
We’re fortunate to receive gifts for our young people from the Chum City Christmas Wish Foundation as well as churches such as St. Andrew’s, King Street and Trinity Presbyterian, York Mills. The generosity at this time of year is quite overwhelming and we’re all very grateful to everyone who contributes to make the holidays special for all of our children and youth. We’re still seeking tokens to give to the teenaged participants in our school, camp and drop-in programs – donations of small denomination gift certificates for coffee shops/restaurants, books and movies are much appreciated. Thanks and best wishes for the holidays!
Clinic Update
Helping to rebuild people's lives
In just 14 months our clinic has helped hundreds of people regain their confidence and live a life relieved of the pain that comes without access to dental care. An extraordinary transformation took place in October, when Sally was referred to our clinic coordinator Arsema Okbat.
Due to complications during an operation, Doctors were forced to remove her two front teeth to insert a breathing tube. When Sally awoke, she was shocked to find that she was missing teeth. Over the months Sally became withdrawn and depressed. Having called many local dentists to discuss the possibility of having a bridge made Sally was informed that the procedure would cost over $3,000, money Sally does not have. The loss of her teeth affected her self esteem negatively and made going out in public almost unbearable. Being familiar with the difficulties that people face when missing teeth, Arsema contacted Dr.Sasha Tomash, BSC.DDS and his assistant Monette Puno for help.
Dr. Tomash has his own practice in Toronto specializing in Cosmetic Implant and Family Dentistry. Having worked with Dr. Tomash, Arsema knew that his extraordinary talent matched with his kind and compassionate nature would make him the perfect dentist to perform this procedure. In just two sittings, with the help of Mike from Noble Dental Laboratory who donated his time, we were able to fit Sally with a permanent bridge. With the continued help of dedicated clinic volunteers Sally now has her confidence back and a beautiful smile to match.
Staff Update :
Beloved long-tern staff member retires
For over 15 years Gary Coombs’ mission at the Hall has been to make the most of every day and to help others. He succeeded.
Much has changed at ehm since Gary’s first day, from the new building to the trustee program. Gary has contributed an invaluable amount to our community, and for that we are extremely grateful.Thank you for always exuding a special and contagious joy in all that you do.
Your spirit is an example to everyone. You’ve managed to give many people hope in their times of despair and your kind and compassionate manner has allowed many of the people to feel special and important.
We wish you a wonderful retirement and know that God will lead you to your next mission in life. You will truly be missed by everyone at the Hall.
A Very Special Thank You
For almost 40 years Evangel Hall Mission has been fortunate enough to be one of the recipients of the Ecumenical Community Canned Food Drive. Volunteers spend the last two Sundays of November delivering flyers and collecting food for a selection of Toronto’s food banks and drop-in centres. Support from this event allows ehm to provide our community with over 80,000 meals every year.
The ehm community is especially grateful to the committee:
Brian Kearney, Craig Homewood, Ted Krawchuk, Bill Lauriston, Joe McCabe, Ralph Thomson, Isabell Robertson, and Ken Lacombe as well as “Two Men and a Truck” who generously donated their truck and staff to assist us with transporting the canned food.
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