Christmas '10 Newsletter

How's your vision?I have worn glasses most of my life. Without them, I'm pretty helpless. Whoever figured out that sticking glass on your nose made up for what nature lacked is my hero. But of course, as important as is physical vision, other kinds of vision are more important. Jesus reflected on those who choose not to see because they love darkness. He was speaking of how often we make bad, even evil choices. In a way, Christmas is about vision. The hopes expressed around the birth of Jesus and that still resonate today of joy, peace on earth and goodwill to all are a vision of a better life and a better world. It is those hopes that motivate the Ark. With God's grace people can change; the world can be a better place.Vision can also be about direction and strategy. Often we want to skip right to the big strategic plan, without understanding the ingredients of that plan. It is important to first understand the values upon which an organization is based. Those values will guide the direction to the future and lead to a strategic plan. The Board of Directors and senior staff have spent time thinking about the Ark's values. Four key values were identified, rooted in the founding vision and they serve to shape our activities and evaluate our effectiveness.Faith-based: as an expression of Christian faith the Ark values truth, hope, optimism, honesty and transparency.

Professional: as a registered not for profit charity, the Ark values quality, openness, inclusiveness, structure, and meeting needs.

Belonging: as an outward-looking organization, the Ark values community orientation and relationship building.

Holistic: the Ark values the whole person by serving real human needs from its strengths.

In looking toward a new year and beyond, the Board of Directors will be utilizing these values to point us to the future and to be sure that we don't just have programs for programs' sake but that we are really making a difference for people. Ultimately, people and the city must be better because the Ark is here.

Thanks for the RideThe Ark Aid Street Mission, Inc696 Dundas Street E., London, Ontario N5W 2Z4Tel. 519-667-0322 Fax: 226-289-3045E-mail: arkmission@golden.net Web: www.arkaidmission.com

Thanks to all those who rode in Ride for Refuge or who sponsored riders. The day of the ride, Oct. 2 was rainy and downright miserable. But our intrepid riders ventured forth, determined to ride every kilometre for every dollar pledged. We also want to thank the Ride for Refuge organizers. Across Canada and into the United States, the Ride raised money for numerous organizations that care for vulnerable, exploited or displaced people. We don't have the total amount from the Ride organization, but our riders raised about $6000, of which about $4400 came to the Ark, with the balance supporting the Ride itself. Pillar Community Innovation AwardCongratulations to Jeremy Jeresky, winner of the 2010 Community Innovation Award from Pillar Non-Profit Network. Pillar assists non-profits in fulfilling their vision in London and area, through leadership, advocacy, and support. Each year Pillar sponsors awards to recognize and honour those who are making an exceptional difference in the community. Jeremy was recognized for establishing an open art studio at the Ark for people to "find and develop their own unique visual expression." The award consists of a certificate, a unique glasswork with his name and $2500 to the charity of his choice (which will be used to support the Ark art program). Jeremy's effort received public notice, but every volunteer makes a vital contribution and we appreciate them all!New Art Studio in Basement

Community Monument Day, Aug. 28

Robert & Jeremy

I don't know what I'd do without this place. - several recent clientsFulfilling the VisionOver the past year, we have worked to offer more life-enriching activities. That means more volunteers are here more often, doing more things. One new friend was in recently and said he enjoyed seeing the community centre that the Ark has become for so many. All of this is possible because so many people, churches and businesses care about people who need and deserve help. 2010 has been a year of building and growth. On behalf of the Board of Directors, the staff and our clients, I want to say, 'thank you' to everyone who donated funds, volunteered, sent in clothes and food and prayed. There are many who did all of the above. Looking toward the new year, we expect that the number of people we serve will continue to increase, a result of the jobless economic recovery and because we offer more programs. Of course we are evaluating what we are doing and looking for additional opportunities and volunteers to help in new ways. We will need and appreciate all your help and support.For your convenience, there are several ways to donate. Gifts in excess of $10 will receive a tax receipt.Gift cards: instead of giving another gift to someone who has everything, make a donation to the Ark, check the relevant box on the response card and we'll send you a special card(s) to give noting the donation in their honour. You can also do that for birthdays, funerals or any other occasion.Pre-authorized Giving: Check the box on the response card and we'll send you a form to set up monthly withdrawal from your bank account. It is safe, convenient and provides the Ark with steady income.Online: From the Ark website, you can use your credit or debit card to securely donate via CanadaHelps or PayPal. Regular monthly donations can also conveniently be set up on CanadaHelps.Mail: Donations, including post-dated cheques can be mailed or dropped off at the office at any time.Thank you for helping the Ark to Reach, Touch, and Transform. May you have a blessed Christmas!Doug WhitelawExecutive Director