Changing Lives with Kindness and Spiritual Wholeness

The Scott Mission has been a fixture in Toronto for over 78 years, providing practical and spiritual support to vulnerable people.  Alex Ng told us about how he became involved with the Scott Mission, and what their efforts have accomplished.
 
As the son of immigrants to Canada, Alexander (Alex) Ng understands what it is to work hard to establish yourself.  Following his studies in commerce and information technology at Ryerson, Alex decided he wanted to do faith-based work, which led to his role with the Scott Mission in public relations as the Donor Relations Officer.  Through his work at the Scott Mission, Alex assists others who are seeking to (re)establish themselves.
 
The Scott Mission was established in 1941 by Morris and Anne Zeidman, to aide people by addressing the hunger of the soul as well as the hunger of the body.  Operating in Toronto, East York, Caledon and Collingwood with a total staff of over 100 highly committed people, the Scott Mission operates programs that feed, clothe, shelter and nurture the souls of those whom it welcomes to its premises.
 
The meal program provides a hot meal or a bag lunch to those in need, every Monday through Saturday.  The food bank is one of the few that can provide fresh produce, thanks to the support from some of the Mission's business partners.
 
Free clothing is made available in a retail-like atmosphere where clients can choose for themselves what they would like to have.  The daily drop-in program provides access to laundry facilities, as well as showers, and mail and phone services.  The 72-bed mens' shelter is nearly always full, thanks to co-ordination with the city of Toronto's shelter system.
 
Ministry staff associated with the Scott Mission provide emotional support and Christian counseling to those in need.
 
Programs geared to the needs of disadvantaged children and youth include the summer camp, operated in Caledon, and the after-school programs offered at the O'Connor Family Centre in East York, at the centre at 502 Spadina Ave in Toronto, and in the Lawrence Heights area.  The summer camp provides adult-supervised overnight accommodation for campers who are 8 to 20 years of age; events at the camp include games, meals, Bible study and other activities.  Campers may be subsidized up to 95% following a means-tested application process.  Teen programs, camper reunions and retreats offer year-round opportunities for involvement.
 
Opportunities to support the Scott Mission include financial donations to the Mission as a registered charity, volunteering, and gifts of food bank items and gently used clothing.