Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world; indeed, it's the only thing that ever has.
Margaret Mead
By Nancy McSloy
THIS QUOTE is so true and has become very evident at St Mark’s church, a small Anglican parish, nestled in a wooded area in London’s east end.
Here we are in 2024, we have the highest technology ever. People seem to think they have an answer for everything. Large corporations are showing huge profits. Does this all sound “rosy”?
Perhaps it does, however we are seeing a very dark side as well. The poverty rate is staggering and the homeless rate has probably far exceeded the numbers from the Great Depression.
A small team of volunteers at St Mark’s has recognized that help is needed by so many so with a lot of hard work and networking with other groups and agencies, they have reached out and in the month of August they helped 10,000 people.
Every Tuesday night you will find a group of about 10 volunteers, some from St. Mark’s, some from other churches and some from Just A Bunch of Friends (a group who prepares food for the homeless) come together to package bread and pastry donations.
Thursday morning food is picked up from Glen Cairn Community Resource Center. The food consisting mostly of fresh fruits and vegetables, pastries, some meat and protein products are then distributed to needy families and to homeless encampments as well as to churches who prepare hot meals for the less fortunate.
The volunteering does not stop after the Tuesday and Thursday jobs. Throughout the month volunteers are needed to ensure that the food pantry is in order.
The third Thursday of the month is food pickup day.
People in need are invited to visit St. Mark’s and again a team of volunteers is there ensuring that the pickups go smoothly and that all of those attending are treated kindly and with respect.
During the week leading up to food pickup day, volunteers are busy packing food and preparing for the day.
It is heartwarming to see that some of the people who are in need of food have come to the church to volunteer their time. This is their way of giving back to the community.
In a perfect world, it would be wonderful if poverty could be eliminated. But until then it is groups like those at St. Mark’s who are helping to make life more bearable for those in need.
Nancy McSloy is a member Trinity United Church and St. Mark's network.