Seeds of Hope in Bloom: Ready to Respond
Mount Zion United Church in London, Ontario, wanted to make its building safer for the congregation and the many community groups who use it. With support from a $1,100 Seeds of Hope grant from the Living Spirit Fund, the congregation set out to purchase an automated external defibrillator (AED).
AEDs are machines that can deliver life-saving care in the event of cardiac arrest. It checks the person’s heart rhythm and, when appropriate, delivers an electrical shock to help restore their heartbeat to normal. It gives clear voice and visual instructions, so a person with basic training can use it while waiting for emergency responders.
In addition to providing emergency care, an AED can provide a sense of ease for people using the building, just knowing it exists. Mount Zion’s building is used by a Girl Guide Troupe, Seniors Knit and Chat, an Alternate Kindergarten program, a monthly community Food Bank and play group, and other groups and activities.
Several members of the congregation and the weekly groups have shared that having the AED at the church makes them more comfortable participating in activities. Some live with heart conditions, have experienced previous heart attacks, or are experiencing declining health. Because the building can be difficult for first responders to reach quickly, knowing that an AED is available has helped ease some of their concerns.
The congregation has also noticed that the project has created opportunities for conversations about first aid and emergency preparedness. Having the AED visible in the building has helped people become more aware of what is available and why it is important.
Learning and overcoming challenges
After all the fundraising was complete, there were delays in acquiring the AED. Shipping and volunteer scheduling issues pushed the installation into the fall. On October 20, 2024, the Zoll AED Plus Complete was finally installed in an alarmed cabinet and made operational.
The AED is also part of Mount Zion’s plans for the future.
As the Early Learning Centre becomes operational, more outreach programs will take place in the building. The congregation hopes that its improved first aid capabilities will help make Mount Zion a more attractive and reassuring space for outside groups and community partners.
The congregation is still working to provide AED training for those who have requested it. Scheduling conflicts have made this take longer than expected, but the goal is to ensure that people feel prepared and confident about responding in an emergency.
Today, the AED is in place and ready to be used if it is ever needed. More importantly, its presence has given people who gather at Mount Zion greater peace of mind.
For a congregation that wants its building to be a place where people can learn, gather, participate, and connect, creating that sense of safety is an important part of welcoming the community.
Interested in applying for a Seeds of Hope grant or other grants? We are now accepting applications. Applications are due October 15, 2026.
