Cardinal Thomas Collins, Archbishop of Toronto, has encouraged everyone to reach out to the vulnerable and isolated during the COVID-19 health crisis (while following the directions of the Ontario government). Below are some opportunities to live our faith by helping others during these difficult times.

If you are a Catholic organization in the Archdiocese of Toronto that could use volunteer support during the COVID-19 pandemic, please email communications@archtoronto.org to have your opportunity listed below.

Good Shepherd Outreach to the Homeless

"The Good Shepherd," as it is affectionately called, is well known on the streets of Toronto. It's a place to get a meal, clean clothes, a safe, clean bed for the night. It's a place to go when you need someone to listen, someone to help. During the COVID-19 crisis, the Good Shepherd remains an “essential” service and is open to care for the homeless. At this time, 700 bagged lunches are served daily. If you are able to support their important work, here is a list of items most in need – they can be dropped off at 412 Queen Street East, Toronto, ON or call (416) 869-3619 for more information: 

• Hospital Grade Disinfectant
• Surgical Face Masks
• Disposable Gloves
• Cheese Slices
• Deli Meat (i.e. Ham, Bologna, etc.)
• Eggs
• Juice Boxes
• Chips
• Individually Wrapped Cookies
• Granola Bars
• Sliced Bread
• Bread Rolls (i.e. Sub Buns, Hamburger Buns, etc.)
• Paper Lunch Bags
• Ziplock Sandwich Bags

St. Francis Table

St. Francis Table is a Capuchin Franciscan Ministry in the Parkdale neighbourhood of Toronto that offers low-income people a drop-in meal service in a restaurant style environment.

Due to the Covid-19 virus, the meal service has been suspended and replaced with bagged lunches. Volunteer help is needed each day (Monday to Thursday) to help prepare, pack and distribute the bagged lunches. Three or four volunteers are needed per day from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Potential volunteers need to be aware of the health risks during this time of the pandemic and need to be aware that they are volunteering at their own risk.

For those who are able, this is an excellent opportunity to live our faith in these difficult times.

If interested, please contact Bro. John Frampton, OFM Cap, Animator at St. Francis Table, 1322 Queen St. W., 416-532-4172, st.francistable@yahoo.ca