Summer '10 NewsletterSummer '10 Newsletter

It takes a crew to sail the Ark.The Ark is busy! When you think of feeding 80-100 people six nights a week, that is enough to make most people feel faint. But of course, we don't do it alone. Debbie, our cook, along with Nestor, our very dedicated kitchen volunteer work tirelessly weekday afternoons to make those 500 meals. Then a different team of volunteers arrives each evening to serve the meal (really they are serving the people) and to clean up. Then, before 8:00 a.m. the next

morning, Theo, our jack-of-all trades, with another volunteer head off to the university and some Starbucks to gather up the muffins, donuts, cookies (and lots of daily surprises) to give away in our afternoon snack time as well as for supper's dessert. If you dropped by in the afternoon, you would find, not a coffee shop, with people sitting quietly, keeping to themselves, but a community centre, with dozens of people laughing, enjoying being together and feeling safe at least for a few moments. In this edition of the newsletter, I want to introduce you to some of the many people who give of themselves here at the Ark. There isn't space to feature everyone, and we appreciate them all. But these people make outstanding contributions, without which the Ark could not sail as it does.

The Ark BoardOne of the most significant group of volunteers at any charity is the Board of Directors. They take on personal responsibility and spend many hours working together, always keeping in mind the best interests of the organization. As you might imagine, with the transition from one Executive Director to another, they have been busy. Each has served here in other ways, and their hearts are in the work. Personally, they have been of great encouragement in my early days here. We are also grateful for our volunteer bookkeeper, Katherine P.

Assistant Director Wayde FossWayde came in March to care for the daily operations of the Ark. This involves managing the volunteers, overseeing supplies, networking with other agencies (eg. to trade food), generally helping the Executive Director as needed and interacting with our clientele as much as possible. Wayde spent 18 years in retail and manage-ment, served as humanitarian aid manager for a mission to the former Soviet Union and recently worked at the Men's Mission. He and Colleen lived in Siberia for 3 months and he has led mission teams to St. Petersburg, Russia. I am so

thankful that Wayde is helping to care for the many details that make up a day at the Ark.Lily, Wayde, Colleen & Sarah Foss

Jeaninne C., Tutoring Co-ordinatorJeaninne is one of our newest volunteers, just arriving in April. James, who had volunteered over the winter, set up a tutoring program, finding and matching those who

wanted basic academic tutoring with those willing to help. Jeaninne initially came to volunteer as a tutor but found herself accepting the role of co-ordinator, and we're glad she did!

Ron T., Computer VolunteerRon arrived in October, set up theused computers that had been donated and offers introductory training two days per week.Personal interest as well as preparation for job search and job training are the main motivations of his students. Ron says the classes are “the highlight of my week.”

The Ark Aid Street Mission, Inc696 Dundas Street E., London, Ontario N5W 2Z4

Tel. 519-667-0322 Fax: 226-289-3045E-mail: arkmission@golden.net Web: www.arkaidmission.com

President Bill Mennill, V-P Robert Docherty, Treasurer Chris Baron, Secretary Pam

DenOuden, Missing: Mike Summerfield, Director

Kim M, Volunteer Clothing Co-ordinatorA growing part of the Ark is our clothing outlet, Arkware. Donated new and good used clothes, along with some other items we receive (shoes, toiletries, blankets, etc.) are carefully sorted and given away sometimes for a token donation, sometimes free, depending on need. The object is not to make money but to help people bless others on the one had and to make sure everyone is warm, dry and looking nice. Kim offered to help temporarily but soon found that sorting, stocking and most of all, caring was what she really wanted to do. Drop by Arkware Tuesday or Thursday

afternoons and see for yourself. Donations are always welcome, too.

Doug R., Care Co-ordinator (Volunteer)From time to time we receive calls requesting someone to talk to about a problem. Of course, many of our regular clientele can also use a listening ear. Actually, all Ark staff and volunteers understand that we are really here to help people at the deepest level. Doug has many years of pastoral and hospital chaplaincy experience. He is available to chat with whoever would like to speak to him during the afternoons, or by appointment. He is also knowledgeable about other resources available in the city to point people to where they can get the best help. I have known Doug for more than thirty years and it is great fun to have him as part of the crew.

Jeremy Jeresky, Volunteer Art Co-ordinatorYou may already know about Jeremy as he has been featured in three newspaper articles about his work at the Ark. A Fine Arts graduate student at UWO, Jeremy has the vision of discovering ways for people, who find themselves on the margins of society, to express themselves. There was an immediate response among our clients and obviously many people have found that interesting. He is working towards getting our artwork hanging in the community and we hope to mount a public mural on the side of our building. Why does he do it? Because he says he is happiest serving other people.

More of the crew

… and so many more!You too can help The Ark has many facets and many willing volunteers who allow us do so much for a relatively small budget. But of course, it does take funds to make it all happen. Donations over the winter and spring have carried us through. But a long summer lies ahead. In May we served 1700 evening meals and 1600 came in for afternoon snacks and coffee. Projected over the next three, summer months, we will serve about 5100 meals! There are so many worthy appeals. But caring for the poorest and neediest people of our city must be one of the worthiest. We would be so thankful if you would consider a gift this month, to be sure we can continue to help people towards a better tomorrow.For your convenience, donations can be made several ways:

Use the enclosed response form and envelope to mail a cheque or one or more post-dated cheques.Use your credit card from our website, www.arkaidmission.com to donate by CanadaHelps.org or Paypal.

(You can also call and we can help with that. Recurring donations can be set up there, too)Request the authorization form to set up convenient pre-authorized automatic donations from your bank account.

Thanks for your interest and care. If your group would like me to come and share about what is happening, indicate on the response form, call or email. I look forward to getting out and telling what God is doing at the Ark. Your support makes a difference.Doug WhitelawExecutive Directordignity compassion hope

Larry J, volunteer driver

Ashley G, student volunteer

Church team peeling potatoes Nestor M, Kitchen

volunteer Gloria Whitelaw

sorting clothes