As the need grows....

We are almost two months into the year and it just feels like time is flying. We expected a slowdown after Christmas, but it just isn't coming. We have had to request an increase in food from Moisson Montreal and they have graciously agreed to give us more. Our list is at 160 families right now and will grow in the next month or two. Unfortunately the need for our services in the West Island is growing every month.

The Community Diner is doing well. The CD crew see about 25 people every Tuesday night. The food has been amazing thanks do Don and Ann and their volunteer cooks. It will be interesting to see what happens as the weather warms up.

We are excited to be working with our friends at AJOI. They are a group of street workers that work with youth in the West Island. They are running a program for teens out of our center once a month, doing hip-hop and graffiti(not to confused with tagging) forums.

We are committed to working with other community organizations that make a difference. As we work together, we better serve our community.

We have added two new board members. Jim Beis, is a city Councillor in Pierrefonds/Roxboro and Al Harapiak, a friend from Alberta who is trying to help us raise awareness of what we are doing here in Montreal, out in Alberta. We are thankful to have both of these guys working with us to increase our impact in this community.

Our big challenges are money and volunteer drivers. We need a few people who can deliver food boxes on Mondays. As I have said before, one of the crazy things about our work is that the need increases as the economy declines. Unfortunately donations decrease at the same time. We are working at building our profile and donor base. If you are already helping, thank you. If you are not involved, please consider partnering with us in feeding those in need in our community.

Peace,

K

Individual Canadians are giving less

The Fraser Institute has released the 2011 Generosity Index report which shows some troubling trends in Canadian philanthropy. The latest report shows a decline in both donations and donors across the country and a continued trend of lower levels of giving in Canada compared with the U.S.
One of the key benchmarks of the Generosity Index is the percentage of income donated to charity by individuals. Compared with the previous report, philanthropy declined in nearly every province and territory, with an overall rate of giving of just .64% of income. Giving varies significantly by region. Of the provinces, Manitobans were most generous, donating .89% of their income. Quebecers continue to donate the least, dropping since the previous report to .30%.

This is a reality that Charities struggle with on a daily basis, especially in Quebec. It is a constant challenge for us at On Rock as we see the need in the community grow.

Peace,

K

What a Christmas!

This Christmas was definitely a bench mark for On Rock. It was a confirmation that moving to A Ma Baie a year ago was the right move. We have had more community involvement this year than ever before. From Companies, individuals, churches, municipalities and other community organizations, so many responded to the growing need in our community to help us provide excellent food and gift boxes to those in need.

We held our fist Community Diner Christmas party. 51 people showed up and had a great evening of food, fun and gifts for the kids. Don and Ann did a great job of coordinating this event.

Food collection through the Christmas season was phenomenal. We have full shelves to help us get through the "slow" season that comes after Christmas.

This year we had 41 volunteers helping with our Christmas baskets. It was a little overwhelming, but amazing at the same time. The Police came out to help package and deliver boxes. 10 officers, including the Commander! Jim, a friend and City Councillor was on hand as well. Thank you to Xylem as well as all the other people who came out to make Christmas special for our families.

As always money is a challenge in these economic times, so I want to thank the various organizations who raised money for us this year through their Christmas initiatives. This is an encouragement to us and will help keep us moving forward.

I have started doing video blogs, which you can find on YouTube and our web site, www.onrock.org

I want to wish you all a Happy & safe New Year. We look forward to this New Year in A Ma Baie.

Peace,

K

Christmas Already!

Yes, Christmas is upon us. The day after Halloween, Starbucks had their Christmas decorations and menus up. This is also when we begin planning for our Christmas baskets. We are serving 160 families now. The number seems to grow every week. We already have 5 or six families who have come on board to supply Christmas dinner and gifts for kids to some of our families. It is amazing to experience the generosity that this season brings out.

Our Tim Horton's food collection has begun as well. Four Tim's this year are providing food for On Rock through their Christmas drive. St. Charles(north), Beaconsfield, St. John's and Sources stores are helping us out. So, drop in, have a coffee or a meal and bring some non-perishables with you. A big thank you to these stores for giving back to the community.

The Community Diner is planning a Christmas dinner for some of our friends in the neighborhood as well. This is a first for us and a big undertaking, but it should be a lot of fun.

If you would like to be involved in providing Christmas for one of our families, please contact us and we will set you up.

Peace,

K

Busy Days

The Diner has been running for 4 weeks today. The response from the neighborhood has been good. Walk in on a Tuesday night and you can smell that something good is going on. The mood is upbeat, how can it be otherwise when 4 women, all over 60 are playing Foosball, squealing and giggling as they play.

We have also been overwhelmed by the number of people who are calling to volunteer. We have had good response from the media coverage we have received lately. Individual, schools and organizations are calling to get involved. It is encouraging to say the least.

Today is busy. 2 men are here cleaning, 3 people working in the kitchen getting food prep done for tonight. Pete just commented that it used to be quiet on Tuesdays,... I'd much rather this.

Peace,

K

Community Diner story in the News & Chronicle

The News & Chronicle did a story this week on the opening of the Diner next Tuesday. They did a great job. A big thanks to Carmen. You can read it here, http://t.co/B1SsuitW Enjoy.

Peace,

K

The Community Diner

Last night we had a meeting with some of those who want to serve in our community Diner, Which opens Oct. 4th. It is so encouraging to sit with people who are full of ideas and experience. There were 7 of us in the meeting and there are at least 3 more we are aware of who want to help. This is amazing.

We start October 4th with a spaghetti supper. The plan is coming together beautifully, with Don and Ann co-coordinating the program. I look forward to seeing how the community responds.

Community Diner will be open every Tuesday from 5:30-8pm. Meals are $2 and $5 for a family. If you would like to be involved, let us know.

Peace,

K