For 'Giving Tuesday' this year, we've chosen a community outreach project - can we count on your support?
We hope to raise at least $500 towards a December $2000 commitment to a local school lunch program at Montgomery Street School, which has a number of children in need. Can you help? Donate to this project online using our Giving Tuesday donation page, or use an envelope marked "school lunch program". Donations will receive a tax receipt.
The elementary school is located up the hill from Christ Church Cathedral, beside the University of New Brunswick and St. Thomas University. The Cathedral Bishop and Chapter approved a donation in 2021 to assist with its lunch program, provide winter clothing to students in need, and assist in the creation of sensory rooms for children with developmental needs. We hope to continue supporting Montgomery Street School's lunch program for children in need, and hope that you will feel called to help.
Giving Tuesday is a global generosity movement which takes place each year after the retail sale days of Black Friday and Cyber Monday. The “opening day of the giving season,” it’s a time when charities, companies and individuals rally for favourite causes, encouraging people to give to charitable causes to transform their communities and the world.
We're pleased to help children in need in our neighbourhood. Christ Church Cathedral also provides community support with regular Monday Outreach events, providing space for community social programming, and hosting and encouraging the performing arts.
The Cathedral Outreach Committee sincerely thanks the congregation for fulfilling all 50 Christmas Angel requests by the November 14th deadline. Pictured are just a few of the toys and stocking stuffers delivered to the food bank to make sure needy children will have gifts under the tree this Christmas. Well done, everyone!
The toys were delivered recently to the Greener Village Food Bank. Client Services manager Chris Fougère happily accepted the donation to help needy families in Fredericton. The estimated value of the 50 Christmas Angels is $1,700 this year.
Did you miss getting an angel from the Cathedral, or would you like to help more children? Greener Village typically sets up an Angel Tree in the Regent Mall, so watch for it.
Another option for Christmas giving is to write a cheque payable to Christ Church Cathedral and indicate Christmas Outreach on the memo line. Deliver your cheque to the Cathedral office by December 16. As in past years, these funds will be divided equally among the Fredericton Homeless Shelters, Women in Transition House Inc. and the Fredericton Community Kitchens.
Fifty paper angels from Greener Village (the food bank) are waiting patiently to be chosen from a small tree in the cathedral. Each requests a specific Christmas gift or some stocking stuffers for a needy boy or girl in our city.
Please print your name and telephone number on the clipboard to indicate which angel you're adopting. Bring the unwrapped gift, with the paper angel firmly attached, to the church on Sunday, November 13th. Drop-off boxes will be set up near the angel tree.
If you can't bring your gift that Sunday, please take it to the Cathedral Office before Monday, November 14th, during office hours (weekdays 9:00 a.m. - 12:00 noon).
“It might seem early, but demand at the food bank has skyrocketed,” explained Outreach Committee treasurer Doug Milander. “They're dealing with 3,000 clients a month – 25 new families just last week – so they need plenty of time to collect and distribute the gifts.”
Doug said the Outreach Committee deeply appreciates the congregation's generous support in making Christmas special for children in our city, especially during a lingering pandemic, high inflation and a looming recession.
He added that the committee must purchase any gifts that arrive late or not at all.
Another option for Christmas giving is to write a cheque payable to Christ Church Cathedral and indicate Christmas Outreach on the memo line. Deliver your cheque to the church office by December 16th. As in past years, these funds will be divided equally among the Fredericton Homeless Shelters, Women in Transition House Inc. and the Fredericton Community Kitchens.
Our high school scholarship students in Belize have begun their fall semester. Thank you for your support and prayers! One of the students had been quite ill after a COVID infection, but was given clearance by a doctor to return to class in September.
The four students (Caleb, Edvin, Gian, and Korey) are thankful for the opportunity to continue their studies. For many children in Belize, their time in the education system ends after Standard 6 (roughly equivalent to Canadian Grade 8).
* * * * *
Ms. Jane Martinez, the principal at St. Hilda's Anglican (elementary) School, sent us some pictures of the first week of school, Literacy Day, and a new preschool space.
She writes:
"The success of our preschool opening is only by God's grace and favour. The gentleman who installed the toilets and did all the plumbing and other work willingly waited for the funds to come in order for him to get paid."
I will say once again thank you so very much. I cannot find the words to say how thankful we are for your support. Your assistance is greatly appreciated and always a blessing to us. St. Hilda's Anglican School is developing and you all have played a very important role in this.
We continue to pray for you as you pray for us as well."
Contributions towards the Belize missions are welcome and appreciated, and support St. Hilda's elementary school and high school scholarships. You may give by making an online donation or submitting a donation marked 'Belize' through the Cathedral office or offering plate. Charitable tax receipts will be provided.
Thank you for your support, which truly makes a difference in the lives of these children.
The dedicated and talented chair of the Cathedral Outreach Committee, Penny Ericson, is being inducted into the Order of New Brunswick for her many accomplishments achieved during decades in this province.
Penny is a professor emeritus from the University of New Brunswick and a retired Dean of the Faculty of Nursing. She has been recognized for "outstanding achievements and leadership in improving the health, social and cultural well-being of her community and province."
Premier Blaine Higgs announced the 10 new recipients of the Order of New Brunswick during New Brunswick Day celebrations in Fredericton.
“It is with the greatest respect and admiration that I congratulate the newly appointed recipients of the Order of New Brunswick," said Higgs. "By awarding the province's highest civilian honour to individuals who use their skills and talents to serve others, we are recognizing exemplary New Brunswickers who, through their dedication and generosity, have made a real difference in the lives of people in their community and their province.”
At the Cathedral, we are immensely appreciative of Penny’s contributions.
The old adage "ask a busy person" was probably created with Penny Ericson in mind.
Aside from being a busy wife, mother and grandmother, she has successfully worn many hats in Fredericton: nursing instructor and university dean of nursing; nurturer and builder of such organizations as a research centre into family violence and a hospice for palliative care patients; long-time supporter of the arts, culture and heritage in Fredericton; advocate for housing initiatives to help the homeless and precariously housed.
Some would say that the common thread in her many and disparate activities is her leadership ability. Penny Ericson is the type of person who is always undaunted by obstacles and challenges. "It can't be done" or "we've never done that" are simply not in her vocabulary. Her approach is to swiftly size up a situation and go around, over, under or through any obstacles to achieve her stated goal. This might mean arguing her case, marshalling forces, overcoming opposition, hatching creative solutions. She always does so with shrewdness, tenacity, wit, grace and boundless energy.
It helps enormously that Penny is one of those rare people whose intelligence and charm allow her to be equally at home chatting amiably with an archbishop, a premier, a carpenter, a panhandler, a child. Her interest in people and her sincerity shine through in each conversation.
Others would say the common thread in her activities is her caring, empathetic attitude. If she spots a problem, she wants to solve it. If she sees a need, she wants to meet it. For example, she is the longtime Chair of the Outreach Committee here at the Cathedral. She has raised the congregation's awareness about the issue of poverty in our city and has rallied people there to contribute funds, food and used clothing to assist people in need.
Penny spearheaded a weekly drop-in at the church hall for people in need, but she knew it was not enough to simply hand out sandwiches and coffee. She arranged for the parish nurse, nursing students and law students to take part, knowing that the guests often needed to be put in touch with services in the city. She built community by bringing in musicians to play live music and friendly visitors to talk with guests and, more importantly, to listen to them. All are poor, and many have had difficult lives marred by family violence, addictions, criminal records, illiteracy, and so on. It illustrates her holistic approach to improving people's lives.
However, she is not only the stand-back supervisor of this program. She has worked as long and as hard as any volunteer on the team. She has always been willing to do the behind-the-scenes "grunt work" such as baking muffins, cleaning the kitchen sink, packing goodie bags of food and treats during the pandemic when in-person gatherings were impossible, and gathering jackets, boots and socks to keep the folks warm and dry.
Penny's warm welcome and big smile are much appreciated by the guests; she was lauded as "simply amazing" by one recent recipient of her kindness at the church hall. She has often helped folks outside of the formal hours of the program, e.g. talking with them on the telephone, driving them to medical appointments, helping them find a lawyer, file their income tax, or look for an apartment in a city where affordable housing is hard to find.
Some people have a big heart for the poor and the homeless, but Penny Ericson follows it up with concrete action, fund-raising, and hands-on efforts. She is a most deserving candidate for the Order of New Brunswick award.
The Order of New Brunswick celebrates the individuals who have served the province, its people and communities through a high level of excellence and achievement in their field. Since the first ceremony was held in 2002, over 190 New Brunswickers have received the award.
Penny and her fellow recipients will be invested with the Order of New Brunswick on November 2, 2022, in a ceremony at Government House in Fredericton.
-- by Ann Deveau
Read the press release from the Province of New Brunswick.
On the last Monday of each month, people in need are welcomed at Memorial Hall by members of the Cathedral Outreach Committee.
Between 8:30 - 10:00 a.m., volunteers hand out goodie bags containing fresh fruit, homemade muffins and cookies, a granola bar, a beverage and other food items such as cheese strings, soup packets and sandwiches.
Members of our congregation prepare food and donate funds to purchase non-perishable food items and gift cards. Other churches, such as New Maryland United Church and St. Margaret's Anglican Church also contribute to the Monday Outreach program.
Visitors, such as David M. being checked in by volunteer Ann Deveau, are always grateful for the treats and a $10 gift card to use at a local supermarket.
Bus tickets are also available as an alternative to supermarket gift cards. The City of Fredericton donated 100 single-ride bus tickets to the Cathedral Outreach Committee, one of 26 community agencies given an allotment of tickets. Outreach guests appreciate the chance for a free ride to attend medical appointments, access training, or look for work. The committee purchases additional bus tickets throughout the year to fulfill the need.
During the Monday Outreach program, visitors are also invited to choose items from a table of seasonal clothing and household items donated by members of the congregation. They are thankful for the the shirts, jackets, footwear, hats, sunglasses, water bottles, towels, and personal care items such as soap, toothbrushes and toothpaste.
Typically, approximately fifty people in need attend the Cathedral's Monday Outreach program each month, with many regular visitors. While a majority of the guests are men, the program also sees women of all ages and occasionally children.
Throughout the pandemic, visitors have been appreciative of the continued support. Due to pandemic precautions, the program has been held as a drop-in program on the steps and lobby of Cathedral Memorial Hall. Guests look forward to a time when they may again be able to gather inside the Hall for music, conversation, and a buffet table.
One grateful guest delivered a card to program volunteers, which read, "On behalf of myself and people I've once known, I'd like to say how thankful I am to have received the blessings and gifts over the years. Thank you and from the bottom of not just my heart but others as well. You are angels."
Graduates of St. Hilda's Anglican School were thrilled to receive their diplomas from Standard 6 (grade 8) at the end of June.
Principal Jane Martinez shared photos of the happy students, which you can see below. She previously sent photos of a worship service held for the graduates in the school's chapel.
Upon this completion of publicly funded education, students are at a crossroads. High tuition costs for high school mean that many students will not have the opportunity to further their education, and must enter the work force as young teenagers. Unemployment in the country is high, there are many large single-parent families, and almost half of Belizeans live below the poverty line.
In 2010, Cathedral mission team members established a high school scholarship program which has allowed St. Hilda’s students to apply for a scholarship to continue their education past grade 8. Some of the graduates supported by the Cathedral have gone on to post-secondary education. Currently, four students attending high school benefit from Cathedral scholarships. The pandemic has been a tumultuous time for our scholarship students, with several of them facing illness or significant family distress.
Thanks to generous donations from members of the Cathedral congregation, we also send funds to the elementary school each year to contribute to ongoing needs for the students and teachers at St. Hilda's. Contributions towards the Belize missions are welcome and appreciated. You may give and receive a charitable tax receipt by making an online donation or submitting a donation marked 'Belize' through the Cathedral office or offering plate.
Visiting Belize to form relationships with the teachers and students has been a transformative experience for many of the Cathedral members who have participated in mission trips. Learn more about our relationship with students and teachers at St. Hilda's in our archive of Belize articles, and please keep the students, teachers and families in your prayers.
In response to the hunger emergency unfolding around the world, including many countries in Sub-Saharan Africa, 12 leading Canadian aid agencies are joining forces as the Humanitarian Coalition to raise funds and rush assistance to people on the edge of famine.
One of those agencies is the Canadian Foodgrains Bank, itself a coalition of 15 Christian aid organizations working to end hunger around the world. PWRDF is participating in this appeal through its membership in the Foodgrains Bank.
The Canadian Government has committed $250 million to address the global food crisis, and announced last week it will match donations to the Humanitarian Coalition’s member charities 1:1, up to $5 million. Donations made by July 17, 2022 are eligible.
According to the World Food Programme, 50 million people are facing emergency levels of hunger and the number of severely food insecure people has more than doubled in the last two years. The reasons for this sudden increase include:
Extended drought and other climate shocks that are wreaking havoc on food supplies and livelihoods.
The COVID-19 pandemic has had severe economic consequences in many countries.
The conflict in Ukraine is having a direct impact on access to basic food supplies.
“This unprecedented global hunger crisis compels us to action,” says Richard Morgan, executive director of the Humanitarian Coalition. “Our member charities are rallying together to save lives, but we also need Canadians across the country to do their part. We are grateful to the federal government for matching the public’s donations. Together we can provide food, water and urgent care to families on the brink of starvation.”
PWRDF has been supporting programs in many of the countries where the situation is most dire, including Kenya. PWRDF is in partnership with Church World Service in an area of northern Kenya. “Children have already died because of hunger, millions of animals have died and women, children, the elderly and people with disabilities are having to fend for themselves,” says PWRDF Executive Director Will Postma. “Our support, your support, can help stop hunger and restore livelihoods.”
All donations made by individuals to PWRDF’s Humanitarian Coalition Hunger Relief Appeal by July 17 will be matched by the Government of Canada. To donate online, visit pwrdf.org/give-today then choose Humanitarian Coalition Appeal to End Hunger. You may also send a cheque payable to PWRDF to 80 Hayden Street, 3rd floor, Toronto, Ontario, M4Y 3G2 or used your boxed set blue envelopes. (Please note Appeal to End Hunger on the memo.) You can also donate by phone at 416-822-9083 or leave a voicemail toll-free at 1-866-308-7973 and we will return your call.
The Principal of St. Hilda's Anglican School, Ms. Jane Martinez, recently sent a few photos from year-end activities, and a video of students singing during a worship service in the school's chapel for the Standard 6 (grade 8) graduates. Watch it below.
St. Hilda’s, an elementary school in the rural village of Georgeville, educates approximately 200 children between kindergarten and grade 8. Christ Church Cathedral has had a special relationship with the staff and students for many years. Cathedral teams have travelled to Belize five times: in 2005, 2007, 2010, 2013 and 2018. Over 60 Cathedral members ranging in age from 15 to 79 have gone on a mission trip to Belize, and hundreds of people in Fredericton have supported the work through organizational support, donations and prayers. As part of the Cathedral's ongoing financial commitment to St. Hilda's, we send funds each year to contribute to ongoing needs for the students and teachers.
These Standard 6 (grade 8) students have completed their final year of public education in Belize.
In addition to providing support for the elementary school, the Cathedral provides scholarships for selected St. Hilda's graduates. In Belize, the average child leaves the education system after Standard 6 (equivalent to Canadian grade 8), when they are approximately 13 years old. High tuition costs prevent many children from attending high school, because unemployment in the country is high, there are many large single-parent families, and almost half of Belizeans live below the poverty line. In 2010, Cathedral mission team members established a high school scholarship program which has allowed St. Hilda’s students to apply for a scholarship to continue their education past grade 8. Some of the graduates supported by the Cathedral have gone on to post-secondary education. Currently, four students attending high school benefit from Cathedral scholarships.
Please pray for the students and teachers at St. Hilda's elementary school, our high school scholarship students, and their families. Contributions towards the Belize mission are welcome and appreciated. You may give and receive a charitable tax receipt by making an online donation or submitting a donation marked 'Belize' through the Cathedral office or offering plate.
Your support makes a big difference in the lives of these children!
We hold our friends in Belize in our hearts, praying for the students and teachers at St. Hilda's Anglican School, as well as the scholarship students who have moved on to High School. Ms. Jane Ramirez, Principal at St. Hilda's, recently sent us this note about activities at the school.
Greetings Kelley,
I pray that this email reaches you in good health. It has been some time since we communicated so I just wanted to send a greeting and give you some updates about what is happening at St. Hilda's Anglican School.
We are now back fully face to face for four days each week. It has been a challenge especially since Covid19 is still among us. We have had a few teachers and students who became sick. Thankfully, no one has gotten extremely ill. We have protocols in place to help prevent the spread of the virus.
We are looking forward to the new school year. It is my prayer that our preschool will open in September. We already have 18 students waiting. We are on the finishing touches and are grateful for your continued prayers and support. We have had some difficult days but God has been faithful. He has been good. We are nearing the time of our graduation which will be held on June 22nd. Our school year is almost over! Yeah! I am really looking forward to some vacation time in July.
Please greet our Friends of St. Hilda's. Sending our love and appreciation. I will be forwarding the reports for the scholarship recipients as soon as I receive them.
I pray the best for you all and look forward to hearing from you.
The elementary school is located up the hill from Christ Church Cathedral, beside the University of New Brunswick and St. Thomas University. The Cathedral Bishop and Chapter approved a donation in 2021 to assist with its lunch program, provide winter clothing to students in need, and assist in the creation of sensory rooms for children with developmental needs. We hope to continue supporting Montgomery Street School's lunch program for children in need, and hope that you will feel called to help.
In response to the hunger emergency unfolding around the world, including many countries in Sub-Saharan Africa, 12 leading Canadian aid agencies are joining forces as the Humanitarian Coalition to raise funds and rush assistance to people on the edge of famine.
