Challenges of 2009 so far

2009 is here. So far it has been a challenge to say the least. We as a family are struggling with the reality of Joe's fight with cancer. He is in the hospital receiving palliative care. Someone is with him 24 hours a day. In his weakened condition, he needs constant care. However, with all that we are going through, we are thankful. Joe was diagnosed 3 years ago and given 10 months(maybe). God restored him in amazing ways in the past three years and we are thankful for the gift of those 3 years.

As I watch him love people in the hospital, I am amazed. He has terminal cancer, yet he takes every opportunity to love and encourage everyone around him. It does not matter what their role is, orderly, nurse, patient, volunteer, Dr. or administrator, he always has a kind word of encouragement, a joke or challenge for people. Many staff drop by to say hello, ask advice or give him an update. As I consider Galatians and the fruits of the Spirit, it is very evident to me, that Joe exudes many of these fruits. God touches people through Joe. I hope that at the end of my life, I am half the man that Joe is.

Peace,

K

Emergency

Gina is a came in today. She was emotional and asking for food. She has not eaten in 4 days. She lives in the West Island. There are a lot of circumstances that have led her to the place she finds herself in. She apologizes for asking for food, a basic need that many of us take for granted. It still amazes me at times that there is so much need in the West Island.

Christmas is over, but the need has not changed, except to get worse. We are now feeding 93 families a week, with a waiting list and providing emergency boxes for people like Gina. Our school lunch program is making 100 lunches a week for local elementary schools.

Thank you to those of you who help in various ways. Together, we make a difference.

Peace,

K

Thank You

We have been blessed this year in so many ways. I was telling a friend yesterday that as we were gearing up for the christmas food and gift distribution, my van spontaneously combusted. We found ourselves in a place where we were raising money for two projects at once. This is not an ideal place to be, but so many people, companies and churches came through on both projects. I am now in the writing thank you notes mode, but I know I am going to forget someone. I hate that feeling, so, if I miss you, THANK YOU for your generosity. We can only do what we do because of people like you.

Peace,

K

Happy New Year

Happy New Year. Our Christmas rush is over and it went well. The Christmas baskets were awesome. We had help from so may places. From a local Catholic Church to companies like Vanguard Steel and Kinetex in the West Island. We even had the Beaconsfield Volunteer Rescue squad delivering boxes. We are fortunate enough have a surplus for January, one of our slowest months of the year. So, when all is said and done 92 families recieved gifts and turkey dinners to celebrate with their family. This Christmas was a glowing example of the fact that together, we can make a difference. Thank you to all who helped us this year.

Peace,

K

Presenting,... Our New Van

So, here it is! The new van. It is a 2001 GMC Safari in great condition. We have already put it to the test picking up food and gifts for our Christmas baskets. Today it had 98 turkeys and 500lbs. of potatoes in it. It performed very well. Soon our logos will be on it and it will be in full swing. Thank you again to those who contributed to our van fund. The money enabled us to register and insure the truck and do some repairs. We also thank the people who donated the truck. It is just what we needed, and the timing was amazing.

Peace,

K

Christmas whirlwind

The season is upon us! This is a busy time for us as we prepare for our Christmas baskets. We have been collecting food and gifts for kids for the past few months. Through The Open Door Church our food bank families with kids were "adopted". The people who adopted the family bought gifts for the kids in each household. Last weekend several of our people got together and boxed up the gifts which were delivered on Monday with the regular food supply.

This Monday coming we will deliver our Christmas food baskets. Each family will receive a full Christmas meal including turkey, potatoes, vegetables, gravy, etc. This is all in a effort to bring a little joy and hope to the families we serve on a regular basis.

Many people, churches and companies have helped us out this year with our Christmas initiative. Thank you to all who were involved.

On top of the Christmas busyness, we have been looking for a Van. Last weekend we had a 2001 GMC Safari donated to On Rock. We have collected about $3000 so far in the van fund, which will help pay for licensing and insurance as well as some repairs and modifications we need to make. Needless to say, we are blessed! Thank you all who have helped us out with this challenge that was before us.

We have truly witnessed that together, we can make a difference.

Peace,

K

Making a difference at Christmas

It is amazing to me how generous people are at this time of year. We are now serving 90 families a week in the food bank and 100 lunches a week in the school lunch program. We do special food baskets at Christmas, giving each family a full Christmas dinner. Turkey, potatoes, veggies, juice, etc. We also started an "adopt a family initiative" to provide presents for the kids in our families.

Now, back to my amazement.... All of our families have been adopted. This means that all of our kids will be getting Christmas gifts. Moneys for the Christmas dinner has been coming in as well. Two months ago, we wondered , with the economy being what it is, if we would get enough funds to supply Christmas dinner for everyone. So far, we are on target with last year.

Thank you to everyone who has helped us out this year. We are truly making a difference.

Peace,

K