The mandate of this committee is to provide leadership and ideas to help our church to be a sharing and caring community locally and to support the worldwide outreach work of our denomination through the Mission and Service Fund.
Even though this was a challenging year our church has still been able to keep in touch with our long- time friends Laura Allingham and John Robson. They have been remembered with phone calls and their annual Birthday and Christmas gifts
Listening to music is an enjoyable pastime these days.
Throughout the year we have the opportunity to support local outreach in our community. Once again, our congregation has responded generously raising $5,389.00 in support of the Carlington Chaplaincy, the Caldwell Family Centre, the Westend Breakfast and Lunch Program, Centre 507, and Algonquin Campus Ministry.
Supporting the work of our denomination in Canada and the work of our partners around the world has always been a priority at City View. The Mission and Service Fund and The World Development and Relief Funds need our help financially more than ever as fundraising is a challenge this year. City View United Church raised $40,662.44, generously supporting the work of the United Church in Canada and through our partners around the world as they deal with issues of famine, war dislocation and environmental disasters.
In the fall Rev. Laura reports that she was able to tour the Chaplaincy facility and hear about their programming and supports for the community. While many in person programs have needed to be paused duringpandemic lockdowns, the Chaplaincy continuesto provide take-out breakfasts for individuals and families each day of the week. City View United’s support for the Chaplaincy is vital and very much appreciated as community needs remain high and the Chaplaincy relies on donations and grants to continue to meet those needs. Donations for the Chaplaincy may be made through City View United.
We have an opportunity to support other projects two months at a time. For instance, January and February donations support Centre 507 (Bank Street) Drop-In Centre.
The Christmas Hamper and Friendship Baskets Project are a highlight in our congregation. We appreciate the dedication of the faithful volunteers who give us the happy opportunity to share at this time of year.
We thank our congregation for your generous support for these projects, locally, nationally and for our partners around the world.
Update from Lambert Okrah:
I miss you all so much. Unfortunately, we seem to be in an unending saga. Very unpredictable times in all respects. It just looks like when the world takes one step forward, we take two steps backwards. The only good news is that we know GOD.
About a year and a half ago, I left for Ghana to assist in development process of a new administrative region which was created by government which is in the area I was born. I settled down in the city that was named as the capital of the region. Its name is Dambai and the name of the region which is the equivalent of Province in Canada is called Oti, named after a river the banks of which the city was established.
My strategy was to establish an investment project that will create jobs and start a foundation that will assist the underprivileged in the area which is so much deprived. To this end, I have established a construction company and to start with block making to provide quality, and affordable blocks so much needed for the housing industry in the area.
Not long in the process, in less than 6 months COVID-19 emerged. This led to delays after delays making my initial plan to be away for 6 months turning into one and a half years.
Irrespective of the delays, I am happy to announce that the blocks production has started employing 12 staff at the initial stage while the construction of the factory site continues.
I have also started discussions with some opinion leaders in the city to form a women’s soccer team to eventual be part of the national league process.
As this get underway, I will begin to explore the setting up of the Foundation while working to expand the investment portfolio.
I am looking forward to return soon, within the next couple of months when the COVID situation allows it before returning to Ghana in the future to continue what has began. This means I will be sharing my time with Ghana and Canada.
I am looking forward to seeing all of you again soon. And please, my condolences to all those who have lost loved ones while I was away.
Respectfully submitted by your Mission and Outreach Committee, Dawn Hamilton, Marg Knight, Lambert Okrah, Frank Pole, Sheila Smith
Hamper Sub-committee Report
The members of the Hamper Committee for 2020 were Bob Pegrum, Joan Dobson, Barb Williams, Dave and Fern McGale, Ron Horton, Michele Suitor and Larry Dobson.
Because of COVID-19, we were not able to prepare our large generous hampers as usual. The decision was made to buy food vouchers from Metro/Basics instead. It was decided that we would also buy gloves and mittens as we usually had. Barb Williams did this.
We divided the food vouchers between Debra Dynes Family House and Caldwell Family House along with 5 for Sir Guy Carlton and 2 for church members.
We were pleased to again receive $2500 from The Nepean Kiwanis, $750 from The Rotary Club of West Ottawa and $500 from The CTV union.
The congregation was generous as well.
We purchased $6,200 in $50 food vouchers and $500 in $25 vouchers. Barb spent $ 711.70 on mittens, gloves, and socks. I also bought socks and mittens and Christmas cards for $526.70.
This year we also sent cheques for $1000 to each of Debra Dynes, Caldwell, Caring and Sharing, and the Ottawa Food Bank.
This year we also, through a contact who works weekly in the market area with the homeless, sent hats (hand knitted), socks, gloves and 30 $10 Tim Horton’s vouchers to the homeless.
Our balance at the start of the year was $5,243.07 Our total revenue was $11,757.50
Our total expenses were $11,834.32
Our balance at the end of 2020 was $5,166.25
We may send some further Tim Horton Vouchers to the homeless over this winter. The vouchers give
them a legitimate excuse to get warm and have food or coffee.
Respectfully submitted,
Joan Dobson, Co-Chair