Ray of Hope Investing in people, inspiring hope, transforming lives.
Hope in Action
July 2022
We are all so busy these days – sometimes it seems like we run out of hours in the day before we run out of tasks to complete. That’s why we’re so grateful to folks who take a moment to think of the people in our community who need assistance. In this issue, we’re pleased to recognize staff from three local stores who thoughtfully donate items to help some of our Community Centre guests settle into new homes. And we send a big thank you to the 144 golfers who turned out to support our Employment Services programs through the Ray of Hope Golf Classic. Thank you all for your time and compassion!
Creating a sense of home: Martin's story
Local stores assist Ray of Hope guests who are starting life in their new homes
After living in a tent for nearly five years, 64-year-old Martin* finally has a roof over his head. And thanks to the generosity of local Marshalls, HomeSense and Winners stores, his small apartment has become a home.
Martin initially came to the Ray of Hope Community Centre (ROHCC) for meals and groceries. But then he learned about the RAP Room, the Community Centre’s resource hub, where guests can get help to find housing, employment and more.
“It took months, but I finally found a place,” Martin says. The only catch was that after paying rent, he had no money left to buy necessities like kitchenware or bedding.
Providing the necessities
Sometimes, when customers return clothing and housewares, those items can’t be put back on the shelves. Rather than sending these perfectly good products to the landfill, several Marshalls, HomeSense and Winners stores in Waterloo Region have chosen to donate them to the ROHCC.
Once the items arrive at the ROHCC, some items are distributed to families through the Marketplace grocery hamper program. Guests who are actively working with staff to find housing or employment can request specific items, such as clothing and housewares.
A “shopping” trip
ROHCC staff took Martin “shopping” among the stores’ donations. He now has pillows and sheets, pans and dishes, a lamp and a cozy rug – everything he needs to make his new home both functional and comfortable.
‘I’m overjoyed,” he says. “I never expected any of this.”
“Thank you to the people who donated these things. I’ll take good care of them. Now that I have a home again, I never want to lose it.”
We are blessed to have caring partners like Marshalls, HomeSense and Winners helping us offer hope and support to neighbours in need. If your company can provide items to help the people we serve, please contact us at donations@rayofhope.net. Thank you!
*Name has been changed
“Our donors continued support of Ray of Hope is a sign of God’s grace. We know you work hard for your money. “Thank you” doesn’t do justice to show the depth of our gratitude for your gifts.” – Tonya Verberg, CEO, Ray of Hope
See the impact of your support on Ray of Hope’s guests and clients this year. Read the 2021-22 Annual Report.
Golf for good
Why a local home builder became a Ray of Hope Golf Classic sponsor
On June 20, 144 big-hearted people hit the greens at Rebel Creek Golf Club for the annual Ray of Hope Golf Classic. The event raised $43,025 (net) for our Employment Services programs, thanks to our generous participants and sponsors.
Jean-Pierre Mouradian, director of sales and marketing at Ridgeview Homes & Design Palace, is one of them.
Although Ridgeview Homes had never participated in the tournament before, hearing from friends and colleagues who are involved with Ray of Hope prompted Jean-Pierre to sponsor the first hole; the company also fielded a foursome.
“We wanted to give back some of the positive energy we’ve received from the community over the years,” Jean-Pierre says of the decision to support the Golf Classic.
Much more than golf
The beautiful day made for “a golfer’s paradise, despite our team’s amateur-level playing,” he adds with a laugh. But for the Ridgeview Homes team, the event turned out to be about much more than golf.
“The hospitality was great, but we also enjoyed meeting Ray of Hope staff and hearing about all the programs they offer. It was also refreshing to see different industries from across Waterloo Region working together to support a good cause.”
“We’re all in the people business”
“Ray of Hope’s mission is ‘investing in people, inspiring hope and transforming lives.’ And regardless of what industry you’re in — whether you build homes like we do, or you run a car dealership or some other company — we’re all in the ‘people’ business,” Jean-Pierre says.
“What better way to realize that than by getting together with like-minded organizations to support a cause that helps people.”
Thank you to our generous Golf Classic sponsors
Many companies contributed to make the Golf Classic a success. We are especially grateful to:
Brick and Co Restorations (Dinner Sponsor)
Helmutz Landscape and Interlock, Heffner Toyota (Gold Sponsors)
Wireguard, Benjamin’s Realty, Woodhouse Group (Silver Sponsors)
Mardel Refrigeration Inc., MAC LLP (Bronze Sponsors)
Special thanks to these sponsors who supported both a hole and a contest:
GGFI Law, Massage Addict, BrokerLink, and Byma Automotive
Help a neighbour in need
When you give, you make life a little easier for vulnerable people in our community. Thank you!
The Marketplace food hamper program has put out a special call for these items:
- Cereal
- Canned fruit
- Plastic shopping bags
- PLEASE NOTE: We are in desperate need of toiletries, especially toothpaste and brushes, razors and shampoo/conditioner.
For more information, please contact us at: info@rayofhope.net.
You can also feed hungry people through our secure donation page.