- Jean Vanier
Dear Friends,
Recognizing the significance of loving and serving those who struggle with poverty and homelessness, we have actively chosen to plant ourselves on the margins of our communities. It is in these contexts where profound solidarity is deeply felt and intimately experienced. However, as front-line workers and hope-givers, we are well aware that walking alongside those that are hurting, broken, or facing significant challenges is neither easy, nor comfortable. Through befriending individuals that have been broken by our world, we begin to discover our own brokenness. This journey, often fraught with sorrow and frustration, as well as joy and great meaning, should not be trod alone.
Knowing the stress and isolation often associated with front-line work, we want to invite you to join us, the fledgling Southwestern Ontario StreetLevel Caucus, for a time of encouragement and collaboration. Dr. Brian Walsh (the keynote speaker), along with a panel of local experts, will explore both the cost and blessing of front-line street work. The panel discussion will be followed by a complimentary meal.
Please come and celebrate with us! The event details are listed below.
Pax,
Katie McDougall
The Details:
Join us on Saturday March 31st, 2012, from 3:30 to 7:00pmYonge Street Mission’s Evergreen Centre
270 Gerrard Street East, Toronto
RSVP to:
Stephanie McMahon
stephanie.mcmail@gmail.com
By Saturday March 10th, 2012
Dear Hope Exchange Friends!
Just two quick and exciting items we wanted to share with you today!
ONE - Above is the notice for our inaugural "Tailgate Justice Party." We would love you to mark this on your calendar, share it with your friends, and join us Saturday, March 31st!
SPECIAL NOTE:
Mike Janzen will be joining OUTRIDER on stage at this event that will include live sets from:
- Red Rain (veteran rhythm and blues band, recording artists, and Sanctuary’s house band)
- Alysha Brillinger and band (award-winning blues, rock, soul singer/songwriter and Lava Records/Universal Republic recording artist)
- Outrider with special guests (fronted by Tim Huff on lead vocals, Outrider cover classic rock staples that speak of hope, challenge and celebration)
Check out our crisp, concise outlines of some of our key activities over the past few months, quotes from participants, and some great photos, along with notices of upcoming activities!
We are excited to have this page up now, and in the days, weeks and months ahead we will be developing this page, and the site, and adding plenty to it!
To get directly to the "In Motion" page right now, simply click on: http://www.hopeexchange.ca/inmotion
So, just what is a "Tailgate Justice Party?"
The name of this event stems from one of the final chapters of the book Dancing with Dynamite: Celebrating Against The Odds. The chapter, titled "Tailgate Justice," has two central themes: that everyone deserves to be celebrated, and that everyone needs to celebrate. Healthy and honouring celebration is one of The Hope Exchange's three prime mandates.The vision then, for our Tailgate Justice Parties, is that each one would honour and celebrate a different group of "hopegivers." And that along with all the music, food, fun and laughter, we would be able to introduce, celebrate and highlight a hope-giving group of people, or program, or agency that knows what it means to bring hope, serve well, and celebrate among people who are hurting or facing great challenges.
We are privileged -- and proud -- to make these unique celebrations happen twice a year (spring and fall), in conjunction with, and hosted at the Hard Rock Cafe Toronto. Various bands and musicians will be featured at each Tailgate Justice Party - all performing at no charge, partnering in the efforts and causes of The Hope Exchange. In addition to the bands and musicians we announce for each event, surprise musical guests may often take the stage as part of the excitement and celebration. We are thrilled to have award-winning, recording artist/composer/performer, Mike Janzen, as the event's musical director, and Late Gig Production's founder and Head of Production, Geoff Bagg, as the event's sound and stage director.
There are no tickets to purchase. We suggest a $10 donation at the door that will go towards the work of the evening's honourees. Food and drink will be available for purchase from the Hard Rock Cafe's full menu. Minimum age is 19. Maximum capacity at the Hard Rock's excellent, second-floor concert venue is 450.