Changing Lives

Since 1996 Sketch has engaged over 15,000 marginalized young people navigating poverty and houselessness in the transformative power of the arts. They offer workshops, mentorship and professional opportunities that connect participants to a community, sense of purpose, and income. Each year, SKETCH provides over 500 young people with more than 4,000 nutritious meals so they can deeply engage in the multidisciplinary programs offered. Through the Nourish program, Ecclesiastical staff chopped, prepared, and pickled vegetables which will be provided to young people throughout the year. Staff also worked to steward SKETCH’s Weave and Mend Gard through its Nurture program. The team helped weed, wrap young trees, and weave the willow tree, preparing the garden for winter.

The Terry Fox Foundation is a charitable organization dedicated to continuing the legacy of Terry Fox, a Canadian athlete and cancer activist. Founded in 1981, the foundation funds cancer research initiatives, organizes the annual Terry Fox Run, and strives to fulfill Fox's vision of a world without cancer. Ecclesiastical staff were honoured to participate in the 2023 run, raising funds and awareness for this worthy cause.

Ecclesiastical Canada has come together to support Food Banks Canada, and specifically the charity’s ‘After the Bell’ project. For most children, the last day of school marks the beginning of fun summer days filled with sunshine, laughter, and friends. For others, it means the end of the critical in-school meal programs that keep their growing bodies healthy & strong – which led to the After the Bell initiative. After the Bell delivers healthy, kid-friendly food choices to children experiencing food insecurity in their community. Food Banks Canada is Ecclesiastical Canada’s national charity partner offering long term support for this important initiative. In 2023, the team took part in the After the Bell Packing Day, helping to put together 185,000 food packs, ready to be sent to 200 food banks across the country.

Directions Youth Services has been offering low-barrier programs and services to Vancouver youth under the age of 25 for more than 30 years. They aim to get youth out of crisis mode with interventions designed to help them go from surviving to thriving.

Our Pacific team volunteered with Directions Youth Services to prepare and serve breakfast to youth utilizing the provided services.

Feeding Others of Dartmouth Society (F.O.O.D.) originated in the late 1960s as a nutrition class for low-income women, evolving into a meal service for the less fortunate. The program has continued to expand over the years and continues to provide around 3,000 meals each month. The Eastern team participated in F.O.O.D’s Coffee and Conversation program which saw staff handing out coffee, treats, warm gloves, and partaking in conversation with folks waiting for a hot meal.