The St John's Port Hope outreach program focuses on a wide variety of issues both at home and abroad. This particular project is called "NEIGHBOURLINK NORTHUMBERLAND" - see other St John's outreach projects here »

NEIGHBOURLINK NORTHUMBERLAND

An parish expense of $200 may not seem like much in the grand scheme of things, but together with contributions of a similar amount from 14 other churches from nine denominations in the Cobourg-Port Hope area that $200 has a significant impact among the needy of our communities. The organization that transforms the money into help is Neighbourlink Northumberland.

One or two people from St. John’s driving someone to a doctor or answering the phone for one morning a month may not seem like very much, but when they are joined by volunteers from ten other churches that’s quite a team of Christians working quietly in our communities.

One of the short-term goals identified at St. John’s Visioning exercise was to develop our relationship with Neighbourlink Northumberland. Neighbourlink has been serving in this area for 17 years, and operates on two distinct fronts. Food distribution, especially milk and other staples, goes on regularly behind the scenes and with the financial support of the County of Northumberland. More up front are the number of daily soup kitchens operated during the winter. Then there’s the telephone “help line”.

The simplest description of this service is “putting those in need in touch with volunteers who can help”. In the few days that I have been on phone duty I’ve received requests for “personal needs packages” (these are prepared by volunteers from donated personal hygiene items), been able to find a ride to and from Port Hope for a man in need of a doctor, been asked to find someone to walk with an elderly man, and so on. It doesn’t always work out, but usually it does. What sort of volunteers are needed? The needs are often not known in advance, but people willing to drive, be a friend for an hour or two, provide in-school help, fix a plumbing problem, are all good people to have on the list. One problem is that even if you are on the volunteer list you might never get a call. But that’s just like jury duty and most of us are happy if we never get that call!

If you are interested in adding your name to the Neighbourlink volunteer list please speak to Deacon Barb or Father Stanley. You could also phone 905-373-1558. Someone will be on duty Monday, Wednesday and Friday 9am-12 noon, or leave a message.

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For information, or to contribute to this project, contact the parish office at 905-885-2171 or email stjohns@stjohnschurchph.ca