One of the pastors of a Toronto church that opened its doors to over 200 asylum seekers has called for volunteers to help sort through donations, one of its pastors says.
Judith James, Revivaltime Tabernacle church’s pastor, said about 25 volunteers are working at the church throughout the day, but they are not finding it easy to keep pace with donations.
The donations are for asylum seekers who were sleeping on downtown city sidewalks in Toronto outside a homeless support centre a few days ago as different government levels fought over funding for shelters. The asylum seekers are now residing in the church basement.
While talking to CBC Toronto recently, James said: “People are hearing the need and responding. So [many] donations are coming in. If we could get people to volunteer an hour or two just to help sort through that would be wonderful as well.”
The federal government announced earlier this week that it would disburse $97 million to help the city house the asylum seekers while the city and the province pledged $6.67 million each as a one-time funding top-up to the Canada-Ontario Housing Benefit to get more people into permanent housing and free up spaces in the existing shelter system.
Also, Toronto City Council passed a motion that was moved by Mayor Olivia Chow which directs city staff to open up 150 shelter spaces for refugee claimants, majorly by renewing shelter hotel contracts, and to discover 100 more spaces in the coming days.
James said the donations have been massive and there is a need for brand-new items instead of previously used items and organizers are still trying to get portable showers.
The church has also posted a letter to its congregation, appealing for volunteers and donations to help the refugees on its website.
Speaking about the asylum seekers, the church said: “Their journey has been arduous, leaving behind everything familiar and seeking safety and peace in a new land. It is our privilege and moral duty to assist them during this critical phase of their lives and we cannot do it without your generous support.
“We urge you to join hands with us as we endeavour to create a safe haven for these resilient individuals seeking refuge. Together, we can ensure that they are treated with the dignity and respect they deserve, helping them take the first steps towards rebuilding their lives.”
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