Anonymous Donor Offers Challenge for FaithWorks 15th Anniversary

In celebration of its 15th anniversary, donors to FaithWorks can now make their contributions go even further.

Thanks to a $75,000 challenge grant from an anonymous donor, churches, individuals and corporations who give a higher amount to FaithWorks this year than they did last year will see their increased givings matched, up to a maximum of $5,000 per contributor.

For example, if a church gave $10,000 to FaithWorks last year and raises $11,000 this year, the "challenge grant" will provide another $1,000 for a total donation to FaithWorks of $12,000. Individuals, companies and parishes that have never before contributed to FaithWorks are also eligible to have their donations matched.

Donors can take advantage of this incentive until Oct. 31, 2010.

Susan McCulloch, manager of the FaithWorks campaign, hopes Anglicans will take advantage of this special challenge. "This is the first time we've had this opportunity to match donations dollar for dollar. Anglicans are very generous and they will see this as an opportunity to contribute even more meaningfully to the work of our FaithWorks' ministries and partners."

She says the extra funding will go a long way to help those most at need. "What we want to do is raise money to support the work of our ministries in the community. We know that the need is there and we want to encourage people to give generously."

Donations can be made through participating churches, online at www.faithworks.ca, or by calling (416) 363-6021 or 1-800-668-8932, ext. 244.

Ms. McCulloch says the incentive will help FaithWorks reach its goal of $1.55 million in 2010. The campaign raised $1.44 million in 2009.

Since its inception 15 years ago, FaithWorks has raised nearly $18 million for some of the most vulnerable members of our community. These include families in need, youth at risk, people living with HIV/AIDS and terminal illnesses, the homeless, prisoners and those with special needs.

Archbishop Colin Johnson calls FaithWorks "a great gift. It has been a beacon of hope to thousands of men, women and children who have received hospitality because of the generosity of Anglicans. Your support has made - and continues to make - a real difference in the lives of many and for that I give thanks every day."

As part of its 15th anniversary celebrations, FaithWorks is participating in Episcopal area ministry days, the diocese's annual Outreach Networking Conference, and the Anglican Church Women's annual general meeting.

The following gives a snapshot of some of the work by ministries funded by FaithWorks in 2009:

• The Dam kept as many as 500 at-risk youth in Mississauga from becoming street kids in Toronto.
  
  
• The Rural Outreach Committee in northern Peterborough County responded to 588 crisis calls, a 58 per cent increase from 2008.
  
  
• Every day, 200 people found refuge from the streets, shelters and inadequate housing at the David Busby Street Centre in Barrie.
• 350 children and adults received spiritual and hospice care through the Philip Aziz Centre.
  
  
• 70 inmates participated in each 16-week reintegration cycle at The Bridge Prison Ministry in Brampton.
  
  
• 6,000 lives were touched through the Toronto Urban Native Ministry street outreach.