COVID-19 BC Christian Leaders Response Fund Part 2: Communities of Care for Vulnerable Neighbours
Dear City in Focus Friends and Christian Leaders,
Since we came together as Christian leaders last April to sign the Open Letter, many of you asked what further action we could take as a group of Christians to help those who have been affected by the pandemic. You are already involved in helping through your preferred charities and churches. However, at this unprecedented time of need and uncertainty, we saw unique value in standing as a group to create the COVID-19 BC Christian Leaders Response Fund (“CLF”). The objective was to widen the net by harnessing our networks and inspiring other Christians to action. Several philanthropists have shared these scriptures as a reason to give to others:
“You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden...let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.”
(Matthew 5:14-16)
What good is it, my brothers and sisters, if someone claims to have faith but has no deeds? Can such faith save them? Suppose a brother or a sister is without clothes and daily food. If one of you says to them, “Go in peace; keep warm and well fed,” but do nothing about their physical needs, what good is it?
(James 2:14-16)
In the spring of 2020, BC Christian leaders realized that the COVID-19 pandemic was particularly difficult for two specific groups of people: senior citizens and the marginalized. We decided to focus first on our senior citizens. Last May, we organized a fund to support expanded services at long-term senior care facilities, as well as to organizations that were delivering meals to seniors confined to their homes. By the grace of God, BC Christian leaders raised and dispersed over $770,000 to support our senior citizens.
Now, in the Winter of 2021, BC Christian leaders turn to address the needs of our second and final group, the marginalized. This effort is focused on supporting local churches in underserved areas throughout Metro Vancouver. Our goal is to equip and sustain Communities of Care—as extensions of the local churches— to provide people in their immediate communities who experience food insecurity, poverty, or homelessness, with vital programs and to connect them with services that might meet their physical, material, social, and spiritual needs. Please read the Case for Support below.
City in Focus is now reaching out to you to help us reach our goal of $500,000.
We already have almost $300,000 committed, including significant gifts from our founding members Peter Chung, Chairman & CEO at Primacorp Ventures working with the Coram Deo Foundation, and the Marion Man & Scott Shaw Foundation. Our benefactors include Michael Audain, The David and Dorothy Lam Foundation, and Open Bible Chapel Foundation. We graciously acknowledge the receipt of many other gifts from others who are helping us reach our goal.
Please note that 100% of your donation will go directly to beneficiaries.
We hope you will consider joining our efforts and help us bring other Christians to action, collectively leaning on our faith and bringing hope to our marginalized neighbours who need it most.
Blessings,
Tom Cooper
President of City in Focus Foundation
tom@cityinfocus.ca
C. 604-764-5815
Tim Dickau
Director of City Gate
dickautim@gmail.com
C. 778-239-5436
City in Focus Foundation
PO Box 20089 Fairview
Vancouver , BC V5Z 0C1
Info@cityinfocus.ca / www.cityinfocus.ca
Tel: 604-687-7292
For more details, you can find the full Case for Support here.
How to Make a Donation
Please consider joining our efforts to bring our faith and resources to bring hope to our neighbours who need it most. Every donation counts, no matter the size. 100% of your payments will go directly to beneficiaries. Support the fund with a charity donation today by clicking here or the button below.
Charitable Impact will process all gifts made in support of the organizations above at no administrative charge aside from credit card processing fees. They accept gifts made by credit card, cheque, and securities.
For direct support with making your gift, please contact Vero Seguin at Charitable Impact by email at veronique.seguin@charitableimpact.com.