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Thomson Now Organizes Many People’s Life at the Sanctuary Mission

8th February, 2011 - Posted by health news - No Comments

Before Nada Thomson used to help organize people’s residence, now at the Sanctuary Mission she helps community members to organize their lives. In 2006 Nada began assisting the poor after years of owning a company called Artful Organizers, where she was a personal organizer.

This charity promotes an inclusive environment, using resources to support those members who are poor. The Sanctuary strives to help and support everyone regardless of the colour of your skin or your religion. The mission has members from all walks of life, both genders and a diverse age group, nobody is excluded. Each year the Sanctuary gives help to thousands of people, seeing about 500 different people each week.

An outreach team of 2 volunteers or staff go out into the neighbourhood providing help and support on an individual’s own turf, many who have previously been let down or ignored by others. There is also a drop in centre, a health clinic and rehab provided, the organisation believes in helping the whole person, a holistic approach. Meaningful employment is another priority, with teams helping members into work through employment training.

Every year, The Sanctuary has a big Christmas banquet with candles and in the galley with massive windows. With Xmas gift bags, food, talent shows and a play, this is truly a special time for all those involved. Other events are organised throughout the year, with September seeing a music concert in the park with a corn roast, a 5k walk for poverty in the summertime and a spring play. It is really important that individuals know that when they donate money, they can participate. One of the first objectives is to break down the barriers between those people who are rich and those that are poor. Nobody should be without their feeling of self worth and the charity tries to provide all those that need it with the help and means to get it back. Making a difference is more than just supplying cash but also about making new friends.

The mission is not a stand-in for social services but an additional service set up to help. The people the mission find are classed as friends and are now living indoors rather than on the street. They would not be able to do this without someone to help them look for a house and help them get furniture.

To give you an idea on one of the success stories of this charity, is one of a female born in Toronto and raised there. Once she was born this baby was placed in the foster care system; the following information will show you why. The maltreatment she endured included her aunt setting light to her crib. Inadequate hygiene led to her grandmother spotting her covered in cockroaches. Physical abuse did not stop there, this young child was also sexually abused. Once in foster care the heartache did not stop, with numerous foster families, addictions and relationships that didn’t last, this, now young woman, was at a very low point in her life. For four years this woman has been attending the Sanctuary, a testimonial to the support and help she has been getting.

Julie Kinnear is MLS GTA expert and environmental activist.