Ray Of Hope’s Community Centre is supported by so many people and we are so thankful to our community for their support. We love hearing stories from our donors as to why they support Ray of Hope. In this month’s article, we discuss how a major donor found hope and community.

It’s all about Community: Anne Noice

Anne (left) with Jane, the Spiritual Life Facilitator at Anne’s Retirement Home.

The word community resonates with Anne. Anne and her husband, Barry, were both teachers at Preston High School, Anne for 29 years and Barry for 33 years. In 1990, Anne was diagnosed with metastatic breast cancer and given 6 months to live. Thirty-four years later at 85, she’s still thriving. After retirement, Anne got involved in community building workshops and began volunteering at the Grand Valley Institute for Women in their chaplaincy program. The theme of community wove itself through Anne’s life.

Anne shared that she experienced abuse as a child and that she could relate to many of the people she worked with as well as the people at the Community Centre who have trauma in their life. I asked how she had so much joy now. She answered, “I found community. And I found a way to give back.”

Anne said; “I often think of Romans 5: 3-4: We can rejoice, too, when we run into problems and trials, for we know that they help us develop endurance.”

Anne’s husband Barry died in 2019. Last year she moved into a retirement residence. “It wasn’t anything like I imagined. These people aren’t just hanging around with nothing to do. They are active and vibrant and want to give back.” Anne found community in her living environment as she made friends and shared meals.

In September, Ray of Hope’s Director of Fundraising came to speak at her retirement residence. Anne listened intently, recognizing the importance of the Community Centre and how it provides community for people who are experiencing poverty, and homelessness, many of whom have experienced trauma, and who need a safe place, a second chance, and people who believe in them.

A week later, Anne was still thinking about the Ray of Hope Community Centre. She had sold her house and had money she wanted to donate to help others in need. She wanted to donate to a place where others could find community.In October of this year, Anne donated an incredible $50,000 to the Ray of Hope Community Centre, from the proceeds of the sale of her house. She was thrilled when she heard the impact it would make. “I’m so pleased I can give back”, she said “My life is filled with joy and gratitude.”

Thank you for your generosity, Anne, and for giving in a way that aligns with your values. You’ve made it possible for more people to be in community and access the resources they need to be filled with joy, gratitude, and hope for a brighter future.

Marketplace Needs

We need your help to restock our shelves! We have been seeing increased numbers this month as over 400 individuals and families have used our Marketplace in November. Food and Hygiene products go quickly and we want to be able to provide each guest with a healthy and helpful food hamper for the month.

The most needed items are:

• Meat that can be frozen
• Fresh/Frozen Fruits and Veggies
• Canned Food (Not Tuna)
• Bread
• Milk and Eggs
• Kid’s Snacks
• Toilet Paper
• Reusable Bags that our guests can use to carry the groceries
  
  One of our main priorities is toilet paper. We have completely run out of toilet paper and it is a necessity for the individuals and families that visit our Marketplace.
  
  Items can be dropped off at The Ray of Hope Community Centre – 659 King Street East, Kitchener – entrance off of Stirling Lane
  Items can be dropped off from 11am-8pm on weekdays, 11:30-2pm on Saturdays, or 4:30-6pm on Sundays.
  
  We cannot do this without the support of our community and I thank everyone for supporting Ray of Hope during this season. If you are able to share this post with different communities that you are a part of, we would be grateful for your help.

For more information, contact us at: donations@rayofhope.net. All donations are appreciated!
You can also donate directly through our secure donation page.