With only 43.6 per cent of the population volunteering, Calvary CW’s #LoveIngersoll project intends on making a positive change.
Woodstock, April 4, 2019 — Recent data shows a steady decline in both charitable giving and volunteer hours in Canada. In fact, between 2004 and 2017, the average annual volunteer hours per person declined by 7,3 per cent, with only 43,6 per cent of Canadians incorporating volunteerism as part of their regular schedule. This declining trend is leaving charities and not-for-profit groups strapped for resources when trying to improve the quality of life for vulnerable Canadians.
Inspired to show love in a practical way, Calvary CW, a Woodstock-based church, is planning to hit their neighbour city, Ingersoll, with a whole lot of love. Kicking-off on Good Friday, the #loveIngersoll project hopes to positively impact and transform the community one act of kindness at a time. The group plans to rally-up its attendees while engaging community volunteers and project partners to join in the movement at an Easter event on Friday, April 19th at the Ingersoll District Memorial Arena in Ingersoll.
“It’s about putting our faith in action,” explains Jeff Price, lead Pastor of Calvary CW. “Whether it’s cleaning-up a park or washing windows at a retirement home, coming together to do good is an intentional and practical extension of our church community. It’s not just about hearing a good message on a Sunday morning. We want to go into the community and make a positive ongoing impact.”
DO LIFE TOGETHER
The undertaking is a welcomed opportunity for local charities, not-for-profit groups, and even local businesses, as volunteering and donations have declined across all non-profit organizations. Already funded by the church’s attendees in partnership with corporate sponsors, the #loveIngersoll project is looking to come alongside local initiatives to help make a positive difference in the small community.
“We believe every person has a purpose,” explains outreach Pastor, Jonnathan Brownlee. “#LoveIngersoll is our way to serve others as a love response to God while making a difference and giving-back to the community. Over the past six years, we’ve built a sense of community in Woodstock, and now we want to extend that to our neighbours in Ingersoll.”
In addition to the Easter Egg Hunt at Victoria Park in Woodstock on Saturday morning, Calvary CW will be hosting a Good Friday experience at the Ingersoll District Memorial Centre arena on Friday, April 19th. The event will feature engaging music, live performances, a variety of creative elements, and an incredible kid’s environment with giant inflatables. Following the event, those who are interested in becoming community partners will be able to sign-up to take part in the #loveIngersoll project. Residents, charities, and community groups will also be able to volunteer or submit a project on the campaign web page that will be going live that day at www.loveingersoll.com.
To learn more about the Good Friday experience and the #loveIngersoll project, visit easterinoxford.com or the church’s Facebook (fb.com/CalvaryWoodstock) and Instagram page (@calvary.cw).
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