Post on 01-Jan-2017
Sister Sarah Marie Lee found
herself at Good Shepherd after
a long journey from Seoul,
Korea to Spain and then to
Canada. Her 3-month place-
ment through the Missionary
Sisters of the Precious Blood,
an international congregation,
gives Sr. Sarah the opportunity
to do her novice training – a
double vocation in missionary
and religious life at Good
Shepherd in Toronto, and a
chance to be immersed in a
different culture.
“I never thought about religious life,” says Sr.
Sarah. She was a kindergarten teacher, a
principal and a college teacher—all of which
came with their own rewards. “I used to chase
power and fame, always wanted more – goal after
goal and always staying busy, but I was never
fulfilled – there was always something missing in
my heart and I didn’t know how to fill it up.”
A few years later, Sr. Sarah walked the Camino
de Santiago (The Way of St. James) on her own,
a 1,000 km spiritual pilgrimage in northern
Spain which took 40 days and averaged 25 km
per day. “It was very emotional—an important
period in my life—a turning point.”
Fifteen days later, Sr. Sarah
entered the congregation.
Now in her final month at
Good Shepherd, Sr. Sarah has
learned many new things “I am
learning and listening to the
stories and histories of many
people. It was a culture shock
as I thought Canada did not
have this homeless problem.”
Something Sr. Sarah does at
the Good Shepherd is ask
everyone their name—making
note of it along with a personal
characteristic in a small notebook she tucks in
her apron so that she may recognize them the
next time they meet. In that notebook is also a
Korean poem that addresses our instinct of want-
ing to be recognized and acknowledged by
others.
SPRING 2015
One way to practice hospitality: calling each person by name
Inside this issue:
Music as Therapy 2
Tax Time 2
Food for Thought 3
Giving Thanks 3
Making a Difference 4
Other Ways to Help 4
The Flower
by Kim Chun-soo
Until I spoke your name,
You had been no more than a mere gesture.
When I spoke your name,
You came to me and became a flower.
Now who will speak my name,
One fitting this color and fragrance of mine,
As I spoke yours,
So that I may go to him and become his flower.
We all yearn to become something.
I yearn to become an unforgettable meaning to
you, and you to me.
GOODSHEPHERDGUARDIAN
GOODSHEPHERD.CA
Sister Sarah’s journey from Seoul to Spain to Toronto
GOODSHEPHERD.CA
MUSIC SOOTHES THE SOUL
While attending a conference in
Toronto, world-renowned music
therapist Wang Feng decided to
do some volunteer service.
As luck would have it, Wang con-
tacted Good Shepherd Centre and
her volunteer time was booked.
“It was interesting to meet and
work alongside various other vol-
unteers, from visiting American
students to local Toronto folk,
who were very warm!”
Music therapists have traditional-
ly worked with survivors of differ-
ent types of trauma and they are
increasingly involved in providing
services to war trauma survivors.
Just like the hundreds of thou-
sands of guests we serve each
year at Good Shepherd Centre,
our volunteers who walk through
our Queen Street East doors each
year (8,000 in 2014) also come
from different places and walks of
life.
We were thrilled to welcome
Wang and look forward to seeing
her again sometime in the future.
Did you know that everyone is
eligible to file their income tax?
Bob Clancy, a long time volun-
teer at Good Shepherd, knows
this very well.
Bob started volunteering at Good
Shepherd Centre at the morning
drop-in. He saw a need to help
those using our services with
their taxes.
Answer, to hold a Saturday tax
clinic in the dining room to help
our clients file their taxes. Bob
has been doing this for the last
10 years.
“I’ve heard all kinds of stories”
says Bob. “People have lived all
over the world and when you
look at how little they have, it’s
truly amazing how there is never
a complaint.”
We are not surprised given the
kind nature Bob has and the
wonderful work he does with
Good Shepherd. Bob estimates
that he does about 150 taxes a
year which brings his total to
close to 2,000 tax filings for our
clients—thank you Bob!!!
2014 Stats:
421,267 - Number of meals
served
1,154 - Number of meals served
daily
36,856 - Number of clothing
items distributed
33,636 - number of overnight
guests sheltered
3,008 - guests who received nurs-
ing care or specialized health ser-
vices (foot, dental, vision)
8,000 - number of volunteers who
helped provide services to those
in need
“I had a most enjoyable time at
Good Shepherd. The working
energy in the kitchen was
harmonious and I felt very
happy to be able to contribute
as a team member.”
OFFERING MORE THAN TAX ADVICE
WE NEED YOUR HELP...
Clothing Room Attendant - Monday, Thursday or Friday mornings 9-11 am
Please call Rebecca 416.869.3619 x 262 or email rebecca@goodshepherd.ca
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JUNIOR ACHIEVERS MAKE A
DIFFERENCE
Selina and Fei volunteered during March break through a Junior
Achievement Company Program called Infinitea. The purpose of
this program is to offer grade 10 to 12 students the experience of
operating a business. These young ladies helped with many kitchen
tasks and served hundreds of guests at the afternoon meal.
“It was a pleasure seeing how much you and your staff do for the
less fortunate. You all are really making a tremendous difference
every single day and we are so glad we came to witness that and be
a part of that. Thank you for all that you do and thank you for let-
ting us volunteer.”
Selina & Fei
GIVING THANKS FOR YOU AND EVERYTHING YOU DO
Good Shepherd’s annual volunteer recognition event was a celebration of thanks for YOU - our dedi-
cated volunteers. For those who were able to attend, guests enjoyed a turkey meal with all the trim-
mings cooked and served by Chef Narie and her team. The evening was filled with music provided
by DJ Chris and some high spirited dancing. Some folks even won prizes for their skills on the dance
floor! A fun way to appreciate the incredible time, talents and dedication of our volunteers who make
a great difference every day at Good Shepherd.
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GOODSHEPHERD.CA
HOW YOU ARE MAKING A DIFFERENCE
See the many ways volunteers participate in serving the homeless and disadvantaged
GOODSHEPHERD.CA
Thank you Gap/Old Navy (Canada)
employees for waking up once a
month well before dawn to serve
breakfast to our 91 overnight guests!
Scarborough’s Wexford Collegiate
students take a well-deserved break
to pose for a picture after helping us
make beds in our dormitories, fold
linens in our laundry and sort food in
our pantry.
The team from the Eaton Centre
Microsoft store took time to serve the
afternoon meal and gave a great gift
to the Gala Silent Auction.
Thanks to The Grade 6 Knitting
Club from C.D. Farquharson Jr. P.S.
and Ascension of Our Lord CSS
Knitty Gritty Club for the toques and
scarves that helped keep dozens of
guests warm this winter.
BMO Staff take a moment to pose
with our Chef Narie in our pantry.
Along with several team building
dates, BMO has also fundraised
thousands of Hygiene Kits which
provide our clients with basics like
soap, tooth brushes, band aids, and
combs.
In 2014, Good Shepherd Ministries
hosted 53 Corporate Days of Caring
groups. CIBC volunteered through this
program dozens of times and sorted
tons of food. Thank you for all your
hard work and dedication.
Paul and his sister Carla held an
event to collect the “bare necessities”
like toiletries, socks and briefs.
CITI Financial has some fun while
working hard at Good Shepherd—an
event they organize several times
per year!
Tel: 416-869-3619, ext. 262
Fax: 416.869.3680
Website: GOODSHEPHERD.CA
Mail: 412 Queen Street East
Toronto, ON M5A 1T3
Charitable Registration Number:
89250 8169 RR0001
OTHER WAYS YOU CAN
HELP THE HOMELESS
1. Organize an event to benefit Good
Shepherd Ministries - a party, a
concert, a bake sale.
2. Participate in the Provide-A-Meal
program
3. Make a gift in honour of a special
occasion, birthday, wedding.
4. Remember the work of Good
Shepherd Ministries in your will.
For more information, please call
Adrienne at 416-869-3619, ext.
223.
@goodshepherd_to
We luv ya! Keep in touch!
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