I am Andrea from Toronto East Ecclesia. The charity which received the sleeping bags was Covenant House, which is a homeless shelter for youth in downtown Toronto. They help support youth who have been abandoned, trafficked or are experiencing different kinds of homelessness in Toronto.

I felt that helping link up the garden with Covenant House was a great opportunity to help give back, but due to COVID, I didn’t end up actually meeting anybody but just emailing. Still, every bit helps.

I’m not sure what future relationship I will have with this charity, actually…but there are always opportunities to simply donate money – for example to help the kids who are there through COVID. Getting involved in any way that we can, whether it be big or small, is seen as good and beautiful in God’s eyes and He smiles on us, watching us open our hearts to others in need. “For it is better to give than to receive” is something that I continually try to keep at the forefront of my mind.

It was something really positive to do in this time of need, as I feel like since COVID began, I tend to feel really isolated and have been having a hard time just like everyone else, but doing something for someone else gave me a spiritual lift. 🙂