Circle of Hope 2016
The Circle of Hope is an annual event recognizing those who have remembered The Salvation Army in their personal estate planning. Their future gifts and ongoing commitment to the Army allows us to continue our legacy of giving hope. On Thursday May 26th, 2016, Circle of Hope members in the Greater Toronto Area gathered at Parkview Manor, a brand new banquet hall in the heart of Toronto’s north end, to be inspired and share a meal with fellow supporters.
Our special guest was Patricia Elkerton, Community and Family Services Manager in Regent Park, who shared her passion for ministry and inspired us to be supportive and encouraging to one another. Patricia shared how the team in Regent Park focuses on 'being a good neighbour'. That means being available and ready when people need you – ministry is a full time mission.
Lola Lawson has experienced this compassion in action first hand. She shared her personal testimony as a single parent who moved into the Regent Park community and reached out to The Salvation Army for friendship and support. The Salvation Army offered her the opportunity to attend the Dreaming in Colour Employment Program which inspired her to look for employment that would ignite her passions. Lola was very appreciative of The Salvation Army’s support during her darkest times. Because of the support of The Salvation Army, Lola has achieved great success, one being that she has written a children’s book with her (then) 5 year old son.
We are so grateful for this opportunity to say thank you to our donors and look forward to lunching together again in 2017.