When we give of our money, time, and trust, we are saying that this world is still worth believing in.
Those who work on the front lines – like the volunteers and members of the community of St. John’s Mission – know what the need is, and what is needed to be done to help. We daily live with those who come to the Mission with courage and desperation, knowing the pain of the loss due to poverty, addiction, or war. We know what is required to meet these needs, and what material resources.
Giving is about more than just logistics. When it comes from love, it is more than charity, it is an act of faith, of resistance, and of building communion and fraternity. To give is to love. We give not to fix a broken person but rather to say to another you are my brother. We belong to one another. To give is to refuse to be indifferent.
When you give to the Mission, you allow us to do what we are prepared to do, what we have been called to do. Our readiness, through your generosity, helps us to turn our readiness into reality.
You as a donor are not separated from the work of the Mission. Your gift is a sacred act of love. We invite you by giving to find your place in something that is meaningful for the many people who are today hurting in our society.
We invite you into the Mission’s sacred work: work that builds community, restores meaning, and shows love in action. The Bible tells us that love is the greatest of all gifts. Gift-giving is one way that this love is made visible.
The Mission’s resources are limited, and we have always trusted in divine Providence to help us meet the needs of people who come to us.
On this page we post what we mostly always need. You can call if you want to donate something that is not listed here. You can also call to arrange to drop off donations at the times when we are not open.
We are in urgent need of:
Urgently Needed - Rice & Potatoes
- Aprons
- Olive oil, Ketchup, sugar, Table salt
- Dried Chickpeas, Potatoes, small apples & oranges
- canned diced tomatoes, tomato sauce & pasta
- pancake mix & syrup
- eggs, snack bars, drinking boxes
- Coffee ground or beans
- Milk powered or fresh
- XL disposible gloves, aluminum foil
- men’s socks and shoes, size 11-13
We are always in need of:
- foam mattresses for the homeless to sleep on (please ask before donating)
- cups for hot drinks (COVID-19, disposable 12 oz.)
- shampoo, personal soap, toothpaste
- socks
- tea, sugar, fresh milk (and powdered)
- jam, eggs, snack bars
- diapers (size 2-6) & baby formula
- meat (no pork if possible)
- canned diced tomatoes, tomato sauce & pasta
- herbs, spices, salt & pepper, vegetable & meat stock
- vinegar, Dijon mustard, garlic, curry powder, ginger
- olive oil
- juice boxes
- aluminum foil & plastic wrap
- dish soap & laundry soap
- cutlery (COVID-19, disposable plastic) — forks & soup spoons
Volunteers are essential to the life of the Mission. If a person wants to volunteer, they start by e-mailing us, and we will help them decide if this community is the best one for them, and what the requirements are. Or better, they just come and talk to us in person...
“Volunteers need to feel they are part of a community, not just of a drop-in centre. It is a place to learn the importance of ‘wasting time’ with each other, of being human, of laughter and celebration. We encourage volunteers to feel part of our community, and to participate also in the times of celebration. Most celebrations are done at tea-time. Care is taken to ensure birthdays, leave-takings, and every other personal milestone are remembered and celebrated at tea-time. To celebrate people is also a way to learn to be present to one another; it is a good way to build a sense of community that is large and inclusive.“ (from The Rule of The Mission)
We try to accomodate people’s schedules to the best of our ability.
We need your help! If you are interested, please contact George Spanoudis, e-mail info@stjohnsmission.org, phone 416-466-1357.
Our ads for specific volunteer positions are posted on the ‘Volunteer Toronto’ web site; enter ‘St. John the Compassionate Mission’ in the ‘Organization’ box on their search form.
St. John’s Mission is able to operate only through the continued generosity of our donors. Cash donations are needed and welcomed, but you can consider a planned donation as well.
Different ways are available for this, and it is important for you to seek advice from a qualified financial or tax advisor, and/or lawyer. You can:
A first step is to read the Canada Revenue Agency’s ‘Gifts of publicly traded shares and stock options.’
A second step is to contact us to find out more.
Donate A Car Canada accepts Vehicle Donations for St. John the Compassionate Mission Free towing is provided in most areas across Canada, or you can drop off your vehicle to maximize your donation. When you donate your car, truck, RV, boat, or motorcycle to St. John’s Mission through Donate A Car Canada, it will either be recycled or sold at auction (depending on its condition, age and location). Donate a Car Canada will look after all the details to make it easy for the Mission to benefit. After your vehicle donation is complete, you will receive a tax receipt and we will put your gift to good use. Please click here to donate a vehicle.
We have some ‘extra’ beautiful icons which have a history in the church, and of lived prayer. Visit us at 155 Broadview to make a donation to St. John’s Mission, and we can offer an icon as a token of appreciation. (Not necessarily as shown; limited quantity.)
