A mission of kindness

As the saying goes, we are all in the same storm during this pandemic, but we aren't all in the same boat. Staff, physicians and volunteers at St. Joseph's have come together in kindness to support vulnerable people in our community this holiday season.  

St. Joseph’s partnered with Morrison Food Services to donate non-perishable food and personal items to Ark Aid Street Mission in London. People who work and volunteer across St. Joseph's were invited to take part by dropping off donations at each site. In total, 850 pounds of food, clothing and toiletries were collected, as well as $1,250 in gift cards. The donated goods were delivered to grateful members of the Ark Aid Street Mission on Dec. 20.
 
Ark Aid is a registered non-profit organization dedicated to serving people who live on the margins of society. The mission prepares and serves meals every night to more than 150 people. This winter, Ark Aid will also be providing meals to those in need at an overnight shelter and drop-in centre recently set up in the downtown core as part of London’s winter response to homelessness plan. 

“This time of year, there’s never been a stronger need, especially with the ongoing pandemic and the cold winter season approaching,” says Tracy Drenth, food drive organizer and Coordinator of Volunteer Services at St. Joseph's. "Our staff rallied together and we are happy to give back to the community."

"COVID-19 continues to heighten an already critical situation on our local streets and in our shelters,” add Amy Ford, food drive organizer and Coordinator of St. Joseph's Food and Nutrition Services. “We are just doing our part to help our vulnerable populations.”

The food drive was also one way in which St. Joseph’s actively works to pursue our mission: to advocate and care for those who are vulnerable and without a voice.