News and Events

The GO Project

Dear Friends,
Well, the dust has finally settled, the rooms and space are clear of the GO Project youth and children and the Scout Hall kitchen cupboards and refrigerator are empty. Life is back to “normal”
here at Islington United! But what did our “abnormal” time entail while 38 youth and leaders from Nova Scotia, Southern Ontario, Saskatchewan and Toronto were here?

The following organizations hosted youth to give them an overview of their ministry and practical hands-on service: Daily Bread Food Bank, Goodwill Industries, Ground Level Youth Café, Mabelle Food Program, St. James Food Basket, Scott Mission, Youth Without Shelter, and Youth Unlimited.

A children’s program, hosted at Islington United on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays during the GO Project had over 104 children registered, with an average attendance of 67 children per day – the highest attendance was 78. We saw 393 children during the six days of programming! It ran from 10:00 am to 3:00 pm each day, with a free lunch provided. The program would not have been possible without the countless volunteers who participated: Karina, Michelle, Matt, Michelle, Keit, Ada, Erin, Deshawn, Koji, Melissa, Mitch, Kelly, Jackie, Joan, Lynda, Michelle, Anne, Greg and Mike.

The GO Project mission sites accounted for over 1,064 volunteer hours in Islington and the greater Toronto area! One of these projects included a Mimico Creek clean-up. During a two-hour period, the group harvested: over 20 bags of garbage, two bicycles, two shopping carts, a power washer, 12 baseballs, countless golf balls, and many pieces of scrap metal.

The GO Project youth were also a part of the Islington community as they participated in a subway rally where they saw cultural, religious, tourist and other city destinations. They served our community by hosting and offering a spirit-moving worship service on Sunday, July 12. The community lunch following worship served delicious hamburgers and salads to over 100 people. The General Council Office (GCO) of The United Church of Canada hosted the GO Project team for an orientation, tour and lunch. We were delighted to meet with GCO staff, including Nora Sanders, the UCC Executive Secretary. A special thanks goes out to Sue for organizing this special day!

Countless volunteers participated in GO this summer. Many served as drivers during the 11-day period: Anne, Carole, Linda, Koji, Betty, Marc, John and Brad. Laura washed more than six large bags of laundry, helping the youth stay clean.

Koji and John led stations during the subway rally and many unnamed families dropped off cookies, cupcakes and other goodies, which everyone enjoyed thoroughly! A special thanks goes to Val and Jim for welcoming the rowdy 38 to their home to eat all their food and to empty the water from their pool. Their hospitality was an example to all who came that evening!

Warm thanks goes out to the Islington staff team, who have extended their time and talent to include our friends of GO youth and children. Extra bathroom cleanup, office work and pastoral friendship are vital ministry that our church leadership team extends each July. Mark, Linda, John, Carole, Randa, Gil, Worku, Dragan, Peter and Pat, you are truly amazing!

On behalf of the staff of the GO Project Toronto site, Andrew, Lauren, Rachel and Sarah, I want to say a huge thanks to the individual contributions each and every one made to the enormous success we have seen in the GO Project 2009. Without you, it would not have been possible. Please forgive me, if we have missed anyone’s name in this letter. I am truly overwhelmed with the service each of you has offered!
Peace and many blessings,

Michael Shewburg
Minister to Children and Youth

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Page Revised: December 10, 2009