by James Semplonius
As 2021 draws to a close and with the Christmas season now upon us, we are very excited to announce the return of our annual Giving Tree program! We began this program back in 2019 to help new Canadians, single parents, and low-income or unemployed families by giving a Christmas gift to those who need it most. It became a real, tangible, and practical way to show God’s love and help those in our church family.
For many of us, this past season has presented its unique challenges. We know that the impact of stay-at-home orders, physical distancing, and other restrictions have contributed to financial hardships as well as a rise in mental health challenges, including anxiety, depression, and other mental health conditions within our communities. People in our church have had an especially difficult year, and we want to bring hope and joy to our friends this Christmas.
In Galatians 6, we are urged to carry each other’s burdens and to not become weary in doing good things, for at the proper time, we will reap a harvest if we do not give up. As we have the opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially those who belong to the family of believers. This is at the very heart of our program. We know that even when the night seems darkest, our hope in God does not disappoint. God’s loyal love does not run out and his mercies do not run dry. They are new every morning. How great is His faithfulness!
In 2020, Catch The Fire Toronto provided over 150 gifts for 78 individuals. In addition to these gifts, we raised $12,062.60 to support Prison Fellowship Canada’s Angel Tree Program. That was enough to provide over 340 gifts to families of incarcerated individuals across Canada. Here are some of the incredible testimonies of what God did through The Giving Tree last year.
“In 2019, my son and I were on the receiving end of ‘The Giving Tree’ and my goal was to be in the gifting end in 2020. Although I lost my full-time employment due to COVID-19 in 2020, God found a way to make my goal possible. Not only did we sponsor 1, but 2 brothers! It felt amazing for my son and I to shop for them and give them something they would enjoy and hopefully share with one another. I love ‘The Giving Tree’ concept and hope you will continue it.”
“I had the opportunity to pick a tag off the virtual Christmas tree this year for our giving tree. For me, Christmas is a special time not only because of the birth of our Saviour Jesus Christ but also because I love buying presents. It gives me a sense of joy! During the pandemic season, it was obviously one of the worst times to be celebrating. However, giving and knowing that I helped make someone’s Christmas special rather than focusing on what is external was a blessing to me.”
“I got an unexpected call from Catch The Fire on Christmas Eve letting me know there was a gift at the church for me. I had accidentally brushed my alarm clock off the dressing table, and it broke. It had to be God because one of the gifts in the gift bag was an electric clock radio and a pair of made in Canada gloves, and a toque. I have started using the clock, gloves, and toque. God is good! Thank you Catch The Fire!”
We invite you to join us again this year to express God’s love and give hope and joy to others by participating in the giving tree program! Here are the ways that you can participate.
Purchase a Gift!
Starting December 5, go to The Giving Tree page to pick a digital tag from our giving tree. The tag will have the necessary information you need to purchase a gift. Wrap the gift and return it to the church by December 19.
Sow Financially!
We are receiving donations to support Prison Fellowship Canada’s Angel Tree Christmas again this year, so if you prefer to give financially this is an excellent option for you. PFC is an incredible organization here in Toronto that organizes Christmas gifts for families of incarcerated individuals across Canada. Give Now!
We pray that God will bless you and your loved ones with health, rest, and peace in the days ahead. May you have a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!