In 2006 the Anglican Foundation of Canada (AFC) established the LeSueur and Althera Brodie Fund to provide support for parish projects that benefit seniors. The fund has currently helped more than 50 Anglican Churches in Canada on the path to accessibility. “So that they may be safe, welcoming and accessible spaces for older Canadians” as quoted by Foundation Executive Director Scott Brubacher.
The Parish of the St. Lawrence in Brockville has done just that by embarking on an ambitious series of innovative renovations to their church in order to meet the deadline for the 2025 Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA). The standards of the AODA mandate that organizations ‘must remove and prevent barriers for people with disabilities.’
The parish has replaced doors, put windows in exterior doors, installed automatic openers in exterior doors, sensory plates at the tops and bottoms of stairs for people with sight issues and increased lighting in dark areas. They also constructed a driveway at the front of the church, allowing people to drive up right to the main door.
AFC provided a $15,000 grant towards the accessibility project. The Ven. Michael Read, incumbent, says he is grateful for the funding they received in 2023. “Saint Lawrence Church supports full and active ministry in our community including a weekly Happy Hearts Seniors Program,” says Read. With the people and the building working in tandem, Read says “Happy Hearts promotes holistic health for seniors which includes diabetic and wellness check-ups, low-impact exercise, memory strengthening exercises, and a light lunch.”
With the parish accessibility projects now completed, St. Lawrence is well situated to become a full community leader and partner for programs for seniors and those with disabilities. Says Michael, “The future of our parish depends on our having a fully accessible facility, for people of all abilities, but most especially for our older citizens.”
Stewardship Reflections with the Ven. Wayne Varley