At St. George on Yonge, we are interested as part of our faith experience in being active, present, visible, engaged and recognized as a part of our local neighborhood.
Our ministry goes beyond the walls of our building as we work to establish and grow relationships with those who live in the Willowdale area. We look for opportunities to show God’s love in the world through caring service to those in our neighbourhood who are in need, and to respond to local, national and international needs. As well, our baptismal promises invite us to be aware of social injustices and to respond in any way that can make a lasting difference.
Here are some ways St. George on Yonge is involved in our community and beyond:
We have a grocery cart that we try to fill each month. It is presented at the altar along with the offertory as part of the Sunday worship service. The food is donated to the 415 Willowdale food bank. In the summer we grow some vegetables such as kale and donate it to the food back as well.
St. George on Yonge participates in helping new refugees get set up and settled in their new home when they first arrive in Canada. This involves finding accommodation, furnishings, clothing and anything needed to establish themselves. We have been involved with a number of families who have resettled here after leaving their home countries.
Free ESL classes are offered each Wednesday from 10 am to noon. We have three levels of classes – beginner, intermediate, and a conversational class. Those who attend enjoy learning together about the language and also about basics of living in Canada.
St. George on Yonge supports the work of the wider church in our Diocese of Toronto and abroad as well. Ministries that receive funding through FaithWorks include The Dam, All Saint’s Community Centre and Flemingdon Park Ministries.
St. George on Yonge is home to the Yonge-Churchill Child Care Centre, managed by Edukids. The daycare offers a safe, inviting and friendly environment for children ranging in age from infants to pre-school, providing full-day care as well as before- and after-school programs for school-aged children.