On Tuesday, April 19 the Anglican Foundation of Canada (AFC) kicked-off its 2nd annual Say Yes! to Kids Campaign. “Last year we knew we had hit on a real need within the church,” said Dr. Scott Brubacher, Executive Director. “This year’s campaign has focused on laying the groundwork for Say Yes! to Kids to be a long-term effort, one we believe can become a source of sustainable funding for youth-focused ministry and outreach across the Canadian church.”
According to AFC, there are approximately 20 fundraising teams nationwide. Campaign goals range from $2,500 up to $25,000 and programs include: learning enrichment for newcomers to Canada, support for young people who are experiencing homelessness, music and drama, student bursary funds, youth retreats, and summer camps.
In the Diocese of Ontario St. Mary Magdalene Anglican Church (SMMAC) in Napanee is currently the flagship team. They launched their campaign with a Say Yes! to Kids and Sing! benefit concert on Saturday, May 7. “More than 80 people came to enjoy a variety of church and community performers singing both sacred and secular music,” says Chris Yeomans, Warden, SMMAC. “With the generosity of our parishioners, people in the community, and a $1,000 match from AFC we have already raised $2,400 towards our $3,500 goal.”
Yeomans says the church is determined to see youth programs come back from the pandemic stronger than before. “Funds from the Say Yes! to Kids campaign will increase our church’s support for The Heard Youth—investing in some outdoor recreation equipment and helping to subsidize their annual retreat—while also helping to sponsor Morningstar Relief Mission’s High School lunch program.”
For every $10 donated to a Say Yes! to Kids fundraising team, $4 will be shared between youth-focused ministry at the diocesan and national levels. This year the diocesan share of Say Yes! to Kids campaigns will support the Anglican Diocese of Ontario Foundation (ADOF). “In 2021, we partnered with AFC and the Say Yes! To Kids movement with a gift of $5,000 to help fund two youth-focused food security programs in the diocese,” says the Ven. Bill Clarke, Chair, ADOF. “This year, the diocesan proceeds from Say Yes! To Kids fundraisers will help us launch our very own Ontario Says Yes! To Kids Fund. Whether we are helping a young person to live a life of unlimited potential, or break a cycle of hardship, or when our churches need support for their ministry and outreach to young people, we want to be able to say ‘Yes!’”
Nationally, funds raised through Say Yes! to Kids will support Indigenous youth initiatives that are national in scope, and that complement the transformational work being done at both the local and diocesan levels. Primate of the Anglican Church of Canada and Chair of AFC’s Board of Directors, Linda Nicholls, says, “Our Say Yes! to Kids champions are wonderful examples of sacrificial love and service, showing us in ways large and small how to be adaptable, how to persevere, and how to keep the faith amid uncertainty.”
For more information on registering a fundraising team for the 2023 Say Yes! to Kids campaign, contact Michelle Hauser at [email protected].
Stewardship Reflections with the Ven. Wayne Varley