Advent Giving Opportunities
Giving. It’s what we do. During Advent, we respond with hope and gratitude to the promise of the season, extending our reach and increasing our impact. Please give generously, as you are able, in support of the following causes.
Table of Contents
Our Giving Challenge
A Gift for 1JustCity
1JustCity is our partner in the inner city. At their 3 locations they welcome folks who struggle with poverty and these guests:
- are fed
- given affirmation as a member of the community, offered a sincere listening ear
- supported to address the complex needs in their lives
- offered opportunities to participate with Indigenous cultural workers in teachings and traditional healing
Your gift will help them provide the staffing and facilities needed for this vital work.
To contribute:
Visit the Giving Link Challenge anytime until December 31st or drop off a cheque made out made out to 1JustCity at the office (use “Challenge” in the subject line). A tax receipt will be issued by 1JustCity for all gifts $20 and over.
A Gift for a 1JustCity Guest
Part of the joy at Christmas is making a dream come true. For someone living with poverty the extra money for dreams is hard to find and joy becomes an elusive dream. 1JustCity is giving their drop-in guests a $25 gift card so they will have money for dream shopping for:
- healthy food for the holiday table
- a gift for a grandchild or friend
- something they need themselves
The gift cards give people the dignity of making their own choices and 1JustCity is able to use bulk purchasing of the cards at a discount, making your gift go even further. The deadline is December 18.
Santa's behind the Scenes Helpers
The UCW and Men’s Group support 1JustCity’s West Broadway with homemade cookies and 120 pairs of men’s leather mitts.
Take away Turkey dinners for Teen Stop Jeunesse, is a project
coordinated by UCiM and supported by many in our building user groups. Watch for details
To contribute:
Please bring homemade cookies to the church for November 18 or contribute to the Men’s Group.
Gifts for Our Neighbours
The Mitten Tree
Decorate our Mitten Tree with homemade or store bought warm winter accessories for local children and youth. They will be distributed through local organizations for children and youth in January.
To contribute:
Beginning December 1st, bring child and youth sized mittens, gloves, toques and scarves to the church and add them to the tree in the lobby.
Hampers
The Cheer Board is anticipating a greater need this year as poverty increases in our city. The United Church Women (UCW) are collecting items to take to the Cheer Board. Preferred items include: tuna, canned vegies, pasta and sauce, rice, peanut butter, cereal, lego, puzzles, board games, science sets, gift cards.
To contribute:
Drop off your contributions in the bins in the lobby up to November 24th.
Gifts to Support UCiM
Memorial Fund Lights for Lives
Help to light up the Christmas Wreath through Advent and the dark days of January. The Memorial Funds are used for the beautification and improvement of the Church. Donors receive a small card in recognition of those remembered which can be hung on your tree. Gifts receive a tax receipt.
To contribute:
Bring your donations with you on any Sunday in Advent (December 1-22) to give to the Memorial Fund Trustees or contribute through the church office.
Homemade cookies for our Care List Folk
The Pastoral Care Committee supports folks in our congregation who are shut-in, recently bereaved or have special care needs. At Christmas time, that support is a bright package of cookie Christmas cheer.
The cookies will be delivered on December 15. Please let the office know if you can help with delivering the cookies.
To contribute:
Drop off small cookies (no dainties, no nuts) at the church on December 13 or 15. Label them clearly for PC Committee.
Gifts with Vision
Around the World and Across Canada
UCC Gift Giving Catalogue
The United Church of Canada’s Gift Giving Catalogue makes it easy support our partners in Mission around the World and across Canada. Through the catalogue, you can let a loved one know you have made a gift in their honour, while you help change the world for people in need!
To contribute:
Visit Gifts with Vision and follow the directions there. All donor gifts will receive a tax receipt from the United Church of Canada.
