Current International Outreach
In the last couple years, we have become involved in sponsoring a refugee family to relocate to Sudbury. With the help of a devoted committee who traversed the ups and downs of the seemingly endless barriers, dead ends of “red tape” and incredible generosity from parishioners and friends of the parish, we have been able to bring a family from a war torn country to Canada. Over the last year, we have helped them navigate and settle in to their new surroundings. Some volunteers have assisted with getting medical and dental services set up while others have helped with getting the young ones settled into their new schools as well as provided ongoing personal tutoring. Those people on the committee have shared their time this summer by facilitating and participate in outings which enabled the new family enjoy and become more familiar the gorgeous surroundings and people in the city. A few volunteers have been busy this summer sharing their time and be on hand to offer ongoing friendly support. Transitioning to the different ways appliances work, heating systems, climate and not to mention lots of conversational English practice needed. Learning English is tough! Feedback from the those devoted new friends, directly helping the this wonderful family, share stories of love and joy. They express how blessed and enriching it is to be included in the new refugee family. We are committed to continuing to assist this family as they adjust and become more comfortable for years to come.
Past Years of International Outreach
The Ascension parishioners are a giving bunch! Their Christmas Offering (given in the special offering envelope) is used for Outreach purposes. Over the years, through this or through special fundraisers, we have made donations to the Primate’s World Relief and Development Fund; the Diocese of Moosonee, and the Diocese of Tarime in Tanzania. In 2012 and 2013 we held a fundraiser to put new roofs onto churches that the Bishop of Tarime – Bishop Mwita Akiri were building. During our 60th Anniversary year in 2014, parishioners made a ‘thank offering’ and donated money to the Diocese of Tarime for a church that was just starting up.