April 2023

Hope in Action

This Easter, thank you for being a ray of hope. Because of your prayers, financial gifts or volunteer service, we can provide a warm meal, a friendly face and caring support to men, women and children who need help most. But your impact doesn’t stop there. In this issue, read how your generosity inspires our guests. On behalf of those we serve, we wish you a happy Easter filled with blessings, love and joy.

Giving thanks by giving back

Did you know that your support not only helps care for our guests, it inspires many of them, too? For instance, some guests choose to pay your kindness forward through things like organizing fundraisers or donating cream for the coffee station at the Ray of Hope Community Centre (ROHCC). Here’s how one couple chose to show their gratitude…

Tim and his partner Christine* recently walked into the Community Centre with a shopping bag. Both are former guests who received help from Ray of Hope when they were going through difficult times.

A new mission

Moving away from Waterloo Region allowed the couple some space to make changes in their lives. Now, they’re back. Both have steady jobs, and they found an apartment to rent. But they haven’t forgotten Ray of Hope.

The bag they carried into the ROHCC that day was full of socks, underwear and deodorant. The couple donated these items so that staff can share them with other guests.

“Giving back is a part of our life’s mission now,” Tim says.

*Names have been changed

“Rugged cross” keeps focus on Christ

A “rugged cross with a crown of thorns” now hangs in the chapel room at the ROHCC. Fourteen-year-old Carson, the son of Ray of Hope volunteer Tony Grove, designed and built this deeply meaningful piece of art.

“This past Monday at chapel, we prayed during our service that the Lord would use this cross (and the true message and meaning of it) to draw many to Christ,” says Chaplain John Murray.

“We also asked that He use it to help those of us who work at the ROHCC to keep our focus on Him and what He has done for us, as well as the mission He has given us. As the Apostle Paul said in 1 Corinthians 1:18, ‘The message of the cross is foolish to those who are headed for destruction! But we who are being saved know it is the very power of God.’”

Thank you, donors and volunteers!

Please join us for Ray of Hope’s Donor and Volunteer Appreciation Open House. The event will feature behind-the-scenes tours. Come and learn about the people and programs you support!

Where: 659 King Street East, Kitchener
When: April 22nd, drop in anytime between 3 and 7 p.m.
Refreshments will be provided

Help a neighbour in need

When you give, you make life a little easier for people in our community who are struggling with food insecurity. Thank you!

URGENT: The Marketplace food hamper program is running low on all items and the following are especially needed:

Canned meat
Pasta
Kraft Dinner
Cereal
Peanut butter
Canned vegetables
Reuseable or plastic shopping bags

For more information, please contact us at: info@rayofhope.net. All donations are appreciated!

You can also feed hungry people through our secure donation page.