Outreach
Sharing our time, energy and resources with others both in and beyond the Harcourt community, is central to the life we live as Christians. Harcourt responds locally and internationally in many ways which includes practical, hands on support, financial support, specific project development, partnerships with others, signing petitions…..
It is amazing the breadth and depth of reaching out that people at Harcourt have as individuals, both through Harcourt and through other organizations and personal action.
Advent and Lenten Appeal
The Justice and Outreach committee designates where the Advent and Lenten Appeal donations go. It usually addresses a combination of local and international needs.
Advocacy
The Justice and Outreach Committee receives scores of requests for help and intervention. The Committee chooses which to support on the basis of a vision process completed in late 2007. Some of the issues supported in early 2007 include: water conservation and related issues, Help Lesotho, refugee families, Beef Connection, Welcome In Drop-In Centre, Saturday Night Suppers and Food Shelf, Friday Fare Share, Canadian Ecumenical Anti-Racism Network. Habitat for Humanity, Queer and Christian Without Contradiction, and Affirm United.
Amnesty International
We will be reviving Amnesty International Activities this Fall if there is sufficient interest. Please contact Anne via email or 519-780-1685 if you would like to participate in letter writing or organizing petitions etc. There is no previous experience needed just enthusiasm and courage to act! Time and place will depend on the number of people willing to give their support to this project. Be Radical...make a Difference !
Chalmers Food Shelf and Saturday Night Suppers
Harcourt actively supports the downtown work of the Chalmers Community Services Centre. The Food Shelf is open every Friday morning when homeless, unemployed and low-income people are able to pick up basic food necessities, toiletries, and clothing. Harcourt has a large box in the Narthex where food items can be dropped off. Over 18 Guelph Faith Communities participate in the Saturday Night Suppers. J & O organize the donations of food and the 15 volunteer servers for 5 suppers per year. On average 115 people who would not get a warm meal otherwise are served at these suppers. These include homeless and unemployed people, and low income families
Drop-In Centre
The Centre is located in the Guelph downtown area and is operated by Sister Christine. It is a place where homeless and unemployed people and low-income families can come and eat for a nominal fee where they can afford it. It is a place where they meet, socialize and provide moral support for each other. There are also referrals to the various social services agencies available in Guelph. Harcourt volunteers serve at the counter, help in the kitchen and on the Board.
Masai for Africa Campaign
A local doctor, Anne-Marie Zajdlik, who operates the HIV/AIDS clinic in Guelph, is raising funds to support the Tsepong HIV/AIDS Clinic in Lesotho. Her goal is $1,000,000. Harcourt has already assisted with the Lenten appeal and the sale of friendship bracelets, and a full day extravaganza of entertainment called "Guelph Cares II", on June 23rd 2007. This event was started by Monica Moore, our past Minister, who ran "Guelph Cares" a similar event for the victims of Tsunami in Asia. This event raised over $12,000.
Uganda Project
Harcourt established the Norben Student Sponsorship Fund for this project. The Justice and Outreach Committee has established two sub committees: the Norben Students Sponsorship Fund Committee to administer the fund in Uganda and Project Uganda Sub-Committee to administer funds in Guelph.
Periodically funds in this account will be forwarded to an account in Mbale, Uganda. This account is currently at Barclays Bank (Mbale branch) in Mbale, Uganda. It is used exclusively for the Norben Student Sponsorship Fund. Three designated local individuals manage the funds in this account and two of the three must sign for withdrawals. Money withdrawn from this account is used exclusively for school fees and expenses of qualified students selected by the Norben Student Sponsorship Committee. Donations to The Uganda Project may be made any time during the year. Payable to: Harcourt Memorial United Church designated for Uganda Project.
45 students have been selected on a basis of need and scholastic ability. Their performance is reviewed each term and changes are made if required. Members of the Committee visit Mbale, at their own expense, to meet with the students and the committee.
Refugee Sponsorship
The Harcourt community reaches out to refugees with a great deal of compassion and care. Our first experience started with the arrival of refugees from Vietnam. We have been a stepping stone for people from many countries since then. Recent sponsorships were from Bosnia and Sierra Leone. These opportunities provide us with a glimpse into the lives of people from distant countries and different cultures. We grow in appreciation of the diversity that exists around us. Some of us become lifetime friends with these people. We recently sponsored a family from Sierra Leone, but the family was denied admission. We are currently looking for a family to sponsor. See our latest efforts.
United Church Mission & Service
At Harcourt we give generously to the Mission and Service Fund of the United Church of Canada. We thus participate in the local, national and international activities of the larger church.
