Drive to Support Survivors of Human Trafficking

Until tomorrow, November 25, St. Matt’s is participating in a backpack drive to support survivors of human trafficking. We hope to help by collecting items such as new pajamas, underwear, yoga pants and tops, and hygiene products.  These items will be placed in backpacks, and then distributed by the Hamilton Anti-Human Trafficking Coalition.  Please note, we are filling backpacks, not collecting backpacks.

This initiative is organised by the Junior League of Hamilton-Burlington, Inc. They have shared a note about human trafficking: “Human Trafficking is a modern-day form of slavery and has become a major concern in the Hamilton/Burlington community and throughout Southwestern Ontario.  Traffickers maintain control over their victims through manipulation, threats, and / or the abuse of trust and power.  Victims may be trafficked by someone they know or in some cases, connection is made through social media with a gradual, well executed plan to distance the victim from family and friends. Many of these victims are held for years before escaping and once freed, often have nothing of their own.  They would really welcome the gift of one of these backpacks.”

Donations can be made on Wednesdays from 10am – 1pm or on Sunday mornings if you attend church in person. If you would prefer to make a financial donation, you can do so through Canada Helps.

December 3rd link here.
December 10th link here.
December 17th link here.

Drive Through Food Drop-off

Our Food Donation program has started up again, benefiting the Burlington Food Bank and the Compassion Society of Halton.

Weekly food collection at our front driveway is on Wednesdays from 10am – 1pm. When you arrive, please leave your donations on the wooden pallet. Please do not leave donations at other times, as there is no one at the church regularly to bring them inside.

The need for food is great at this time. Please see below for the list of most needed items.

For more information about these charities, or to donate to them directly, please follow these links:
COMPASSION SOCIETY OF HALTON
BURLINGTON FOOD BANK

MOST NEEDED ITEMS:
children’s backpacks
cereal
canned fruit
rice
juice
feminine hygiene products
shampoo
deodorant
toothpaste and toothbrushes
peanut butter
crackers
canned meat