An important conversation about food waste and its impact on food insecurity.
Every year, millions of pounds of perfectly good food are thrown away while many in our communities struggle to access nutritious meals. We explored the realities of food waste, its
environmental and social consequences, and the powerful work of food rescue programs like Second Harvest. We also discussed practical ways we can make a difference—both individually and as a community as we considered how we can respond with compassion and action?

Check out the interactive PDF here.

We’re all aware that a housing crisis is affecting our region, our province, and our country. But how did we get here? What are the root causes and contributing factors behind this crisis?

Together, we explored regional resources and engaged in meaningful discussion around these questions.

You can find the resource for it here.

In May, we gathered for a screening of the short documentary A Human Picture, exploring Ontario’s transformational Basic Income Pilot.
Hosted by the Peace in Action Team (PiAT) Learning Branch, this event also featured guest presenters who shared insights and lead thought-provoking discussions around the topic. Click here to find the presentation from the Learning Portion held at 22 Willow.

For our Service and Learning gathering, many from our community had the opportunity to participate in the Kairos Blanket Exercise. Our facilitators led us through this experiential learning tool, as we explored the historic and contemporary relationship between Indigenous and non-Indigenous peoples in the land we now call Canada. We are grateful for the gift of their presence, as well as their sharing of knowledge and truth with us, as we continue to reflect on what calls to action and work of reconciliation we can engage in.
Thanks to all who were able to join! And special thanks to those who provided childcare for our morning session!

On Sunday, July 13, our community gathered at Kiwanis Park for our July Service & Learning Gathering—a meaningful time to enjoy the outdoors, connect with one another, and reflect on our responsibility to care for creation. We met near the playground area and settled in with picnic blankets, chairs, and games, sharing conversation and laughter under the trees. Some took the opportunity take part in a photo scavenger hunt, to walk the Walter Bean Trail along the Grand River, while others relaxed and enjoyed the space. Our picnic lunch together rounded out a beautiful morning, reminding us that worship and learning can happen well beyond the walls of 22 Willow.

In addition to our ongoing partnerships, Elevation supports a broad range of local, national and international justice-related member initiatives. These initiatives take the form of both short and long-term projects that our community members are passionate about.

A member of the community can request that an initiative is considered for support by filling out the form below. The Responsive Giving Team will review these requests regularly and will determine whether the request aligns with the values and purpose of the member initiatives fund, as well as how much support can be provided.

To apply for financial support for your initiative please fill out the form below.

The Benevolence Fund is an attempt to meet some of the urgent needs in our community by providing short-term and/or emergency financial assistance. Requests can come from an individual seeking support themselves, or from a member of the community requesting support on someone else’s behalf. All information is held in strict confidence. The Benevolence Fund can be accessed for those both within the Elevation community and those outside of our community, and an individual who receives benevolence funds is under no obligation whatsoever to repay the gift.

To submit a request for benevolence support either for yourself or someone else, please fill out the  form below.

If you would like to contribute a donation directly to the Benevolence Fund, please follow this link.

Member Initiative Application 

Please complete the online submission form below, or download and fill the PDF Application Form: 

Fillable PDF Application Form

Future of Africa
Nikki Horne and TK Azalgo work to equip young leaders to respond to a higher calling to transform Africa. Their vision is to inspire a new generation of ethical and skilled technical professionals who will drive the economic future of Africa.

Compass Refugee Centre.

We have annual scholarship providing financial assistance to refugees or refugee claimants, and who are pursuing post-secondary education. The scholarship amount may be $1,000 (but depends on the number of scholarships awarded in a particular year). Since it started in 2017, this scholarship has distributed $36,500 amongst 24 recipients. Find out more about this scholarship here.