We love our local neighbours
We raise money for local partner organizations through our Mite Can ministry.
How it Works - individuals and families collect loose change in a container (glass, tin, clay… anything works!). At the end of the year, we call everyone to empty their jars and bring their change to the church. The money is then distributed to our community partners for projects that impact our community.
Who we support - We support downtown community partners through Mite Can donations, including The Food Bank of Waterloo Region, The Working Centre, and Camino Wellbeing. Learn more about our partners below.
Why is it called a Mite Can? - Our Mite Can ministry is based on the scripture from Matthew 25:40 and Luke 21:1-4 about a poor widow who gave her last coins to God, trusting that God would use them for something bigger. We believe that even a small contribution that is willingly given can be used by God to change lives.
Start a Mite Can of your own - Whether you are five, or 55, anyone can start a mite can and contribute to local missions. Find a can, jar, cup, bottle, or container that you will use to collect coins and cash in for the year. Next, print off the label below, or decorate your can as you wish. P.s. you can also support the Mite Can ministry with cheques, e-transfers or online donations (just mark them “mite can”).
Matthew 25:40 - Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.
Food4Kids
Food4Kids Waterloo Region began in September 2016. They recognized a gap in food security for children living throughout the Waterloo Region, on weekends and during the 84 days of school breaks.
The Food Bank of Waterloo Region
The Community Food Assistance Network is a system of over one-hundred community programs and agency partners, providing food and connection to other vital supports needed by children, seniors, families, and individuals–every day. The regional Food Banks are at the center of this network, actively sourcing fresh, frozen, and non-perishable food for distribution.
From our friends at The Food Bank:
“You may have heard me say: “hunger can happen to anyone, anywhere, at any time” and that really hit home as we faced one of the most difficult times in The Food Bank of Waterloo Region’s history. You have helped us navigate this unprecedented health crisis and support our mission of ensuring no one goes hungry. As always, thank you for your support. Together, we are feeding neighbours.”
- Wendi Campbell former CEO, The Food Bank of Waterloo Region
House of Friendship
More about H.O.F.
Every year House Of Friendship helps over 42,000 men, women, and children with food, shelter community resources, and addiction treatment.
From our friends at House of Friendship:
THANK YOU for being one who chooses to see and care and respond. To choose compassion. For the 1,100 individuals in this community who don't have a place to call home, thank you for walking with them and working towards a community where everyone can belong and thrive.
- John Neufeld - Executive Director, House of Friendship
Ray of Hope
Ray of Hope serves vulnerable people struggling with hunger, homelessness, poverty, and other challenges. They provide life-changing health and social services; and a welcoming, compassionate community. Ray of Hope empowers people to chart a new path in life by nurturing their own God-given skills.
Each winter St. Andrew’s participates in the Coldest Night of the Year walk in support of Ray of Hope. Here are some photos from this year’s event.
From our friends at Ray of Hope:
“With so many people experiencing financial hardship recently, some might have wondered if participation and donations to the 2021 Coldest Night of the Year (CNOY) event would be down this year. But the doubters didn’t count on the big hearts of those who walked and donated to support the Ray of Hope Community Centre this. Even a global pandemic couldn’t stop 533 people in 63 teams from taking to the streets in socially distanced bubbles throughout February. And it couldn’t stop the caring people who supported them by contributing more this year than in any of the previous ten CNOY events. Together, these dedicated folks raised a whopping $231,300 (128% over goal!) and made Kitchener-Waterloo the top CNOY fundraising location in all of Canada.
This money will make up a significant portion of the ROHCC’s budget this year. It will help to provide warm meals and life-changing services for people in our community who are experiencing poverty and homelessness.
Thank you to all of our walkers and donors for your compassion and generosity!”
- Lawrence Lutgendorff, director or fundraising and communications
The Working Centre
The Working Centre helps people access tools to create their own work and provides continuous learning and co-operating opportunities. The Working Centre has six areas of focus: Job Search Resource Centre, St. John’s Kitchen, Community Tools, Access to Technology, Affordable Supportive Housing and the Waterloo School for Community Development.
Camino Wellbeing
Camino Wellbeing + Mental Health unites the work of Carizon Family and Community Services, KW Counselling Services and Monica Place all under one umbrella. Together they create a cohesive system bringing greater impact to our community's growing wellbeing and mental health needs.