JIMMY’S STORY
‘Many people would be depressed without that human connection’
As
Torontonians gather round the holiday table with family and friends to celebrate the season’s festivities, thousands across the GTA will go without.
Each year, The Scott Mission provides for many of the city’s most vulnerable; filling empty stomachs and hungry hearts with a full-course Christmas meal and a program overflowing with companionship and the spirit of the season. And many times the hope and change that someone needs begins with a simple meal.
Jimmy is one of The Scott Mission’s clients who found himself hurting at the holidays. “Many people are lonely,” he says. “You can come here for meals or fellowship. Talk to other guys or the staff. It’s important because, otherwise, you are alone. I think many people would be depressed without that human connection.”
“Christmas Day is a special day,” says Alexander Ng, donor relations and communications officer for the Mission. “We have a 10:30 a.m. and an 11:30 a.m. sitting for the Christmas meal. There’s soup, a chef’s salad, roast turkey, gravy and stuffing, mashed potatoes, cranberries, mixed vegetables and pumpkin pie for dessert. We also have a gift for each client that comes. We have a Christmas service, too. If people need prayer, someone to talk to, or counselling, we are here.”
Each Christmas meal costs just $4.25. And the donation drive is now on to help bring a day of joy into the lives of those who suffer. “Some people have nowhere else to go,” says Jimmy. “They need the Bible studies, the fellowship, the retreats, on top of the food and clothing.”
Jimmy is one example of the measurable results of the Mission’s work in the lives of the homeless. For Jimmy, The Scott Mission’s program was an important stepping stone back to a life of independence. “I stayed overnight during the summer,” he says. “And got my own apartment in the fall.”
The Scott Mission’s work is multi-faceted. It also serves daily sit-down meals, provides bagged lunches, runs a food and clothing bank, children’s care centre, summer retreat centre and a Christmas hamper program. “We’re very grateful,” says Ng. “Toronto’s very generous. We have a lot of faithful donors. We’ve been really blessed.”