Seeds of Hope in Bloom: Knox UCW Food Rescue Program
With the help of a Seeds of Hope grant from the Foundation, Knox United Church (Dorset, ON) undertook essential repairs and upgrades to bolster its mission of combating food insecurity.
In May 2024, Knox United Church, part of the three-point Lake of Bays Pastoral Charge in Dorset, Ontario, received a Seeds of Hope grant from the Foundation to assist the Knox UCW Food Rescue Program. This grant supported much-needed repairs and upgrades to enhance its mission of aiding those facing food insecurity in the greater Dorset community.
Revitalizing Facilities
The highly successful Knox UCW Food Rescue Program operated from an outdated and insufficient kitchen for several years. There was a desperate need for structural and practical repairs and upgrades. The work undertaken, supported in part by this grant, accomplished this and more. The renovation included repairing the foundation, upgrading plumbing and electrical systems, adjusting the flooring and much more. The exposed framing allowed for the complete accessibility of the bathroom with widened doors and safety rails. Once the contractor and materials were cleared, they resumed using their renovated kitchen, food prep area, and community hall.
Bringing the Community Together
As the last church operating in Dorset, residents from the town and surrounding areas enthusiastically rallied around this initiative. In many ways, the venture took on a distinct community-owned profile. “This was most encouraging and we believe it will translate into further community participation and involvement,” says Wayne Parker, Project Lead. From planning to completion, many people were inspired to get involved and assist with the project. This even included those who had not previously engaged with the church. Community members came together with great pride and a sense of ownership in their accomplishments
The Tide of Goodwill
Witnessing the community unite towards a shared vision was extremely encouraging. Parker shares a favourite story that illustrates this: “An anonymous person was swept along by the tide of goodwill generated. After driving past the church and noticing the contractor, who was also working on his home, he stopped to inquire about the work being done. Impressed by the mission of the Food Rescue Program, he instructed the contractor to deduct $5000.00 from the Church’s bill and add it to his own bill for work done at his residence.”
Towards the Future
Looking forward, Knox United Church is hopeful that these changes will result in an increased number of volunteer participants. With that, they expect an increased number of food items prepared and offered to the general public in need. Additionally, they anticipate an increased use of the renovated space. Through opening their community room, they wish to offer space where groups can gather for various activities such as yoga, art classes, and book clubs. “Along the way, it is our belief that the Knox congregation, UCW and Food Rescue Program will all gain widespread popularity and support,” says Parker.
Plant Your Own Seeds of Hope… and Watch Them Bloom!
The United Church of Canada Foundation offers a wide variety of grant opportunities for United Church of Canada organizations and individuals to bring life to the mission and values of the United Church. These grants are a part of the stewardship of our trusts and endowments, made possible by the generosity of donors. The Seeds of Hope granting program awards approximately one million dollars each year to support innovative United Church projects. Our Fall granting round is open! How will a funding boost from Seeds of Hope help your project take flight?
Our Fall 2024 Seeds of Hope grant round is open! Learn more and apply now: unitedchurchfoundation.ca/grants/seeds-of-hope. We are always available if you need help completing your applications! Should you have any questions, please email us at grants@united-church.ca.
