Centre 105 in Cornwall had a lot to be grateful for this past Thanksgiving. The Centre’s annual breakfast fundraiser on Sept. 14 was attended by about 200 people and raised more than $10,000, a vital boost for revenues to help cover the rising costs of providing breakfasts and other services for 120 to 160 people three days a week.
Taylor Seguin, the executive director for Centre 105, an Anglican Community Ministry, told Crosstalk “We’re thrilled that this annual event… has quickly become our biggest event of the year.” Last year’s event raised about $10,000 as well, but Seguin said with economic times being tough, the team wasn’t sure they could hope for as much again. They set their goal as $10,000 but prepared themselves not to be heartbroken if it turned out to be less.
But the generosity of Cornwall came through again. There were some corporate donations. The local FreshCo donated most of the food for the hearty bacon and eggs breakfasts served, (deliciously accompanied by homemade muffins, cookies and cupcakes donated by the ACW groups in all three of the Anglican churches in the area.) The Kinsmen Club of Cornwall, Victim Services, and JobZone each donated $500, but the majority of the money raised came in $20 bills donated by the people who attended the breakfast.
The staff cooked and served the breakfast to the fundraiser guests in Centre 105 in a very similar way to the way the Centre usually serves the people who come three mornings a week.
In 2022, Centre 105 decided not to sell tickets for the breakfast and to do all their fundraisers by donation. “Give what you can, give a little, give a lot, but it worked out really well that way. …Some people who came to the fundraiser might have been clients who weren’t able to give, but the next person might have given $500,” Seguin said.
There was another change in this year’s event. In past years, the breakfast event has featured a guest speaker, but this year a moving video about Centre 105’s work and its impact on the lives of the people it serves created by videographer Nick Seguin played every half hour. The video can be seen on Centre 105’s website.
The staff had little time to bask in the glow of the successful fundraiser though because winter was on the way and they had started a drive to collect winter supplies—hats, mittens, gloves, boots. “The worst thing is when somebody asks for a pair of gloves and you don’t have them,” Seguin said.
“Every year we do a pretty solid drive with local churches and Walmart. Walmart has been really, really helpful… [Its warehouse] is the biggest employer in Cornwall, so there’s thousands of people who work there. Anytime you set up a drive at that warehouse, you do really well…. It’s as simple as just leaving a barrel for a week and you could be set for mitts for a whole winter.” He said donations are usually split 50-50 between new and used items: all are gladly received and distributed to those in need.
Centre 105 tries to warm up the winter months with activities and fun too. Last December was the first time the Centennial Choir did a Christmas concert, and they will be at the centre again this year on Dec. 10. The choir does a big performance in the city at Christmas, but the ticket prices can be out of range for many people. The weekend before the big show, they do a practice at Centre 105. “It’s super cool because our participants can come and see a concert [again by donation] and then we have a reception in the hall after,” said Seguin. Last year, Santa Clause was there, and a professional photographer donated her time.
It promises to be a merry day again this year.
Deanery of East Ontario — Church of the Nativity, L’Orignal