GUELPH – The annual Bishop’s Dinner For Community Needs is a long standing tradition in the Guelph-Wellington Community.
Like many other traditions in 2020, the Bishop’s Dinner, hosted by the Wellington Catholic District School Board, is evolving, given this unique time of COVID-19.
A new event called The Thanksliving Project, with a common focus for giving, will take the place of the Bishop’s Dinner this year.
“The Thanksliving Project is a great way to support our local community’s needs,” said Anja Kane a student trustee and student at Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic High School.
“We know the need is greater than ever and supporting the community is really important.
“Our faith and education teach us that with unity comes strength.”
Over the past 17 years, the Bishop’s Dinner has raised over $690,000.00 for charities in Wellington and Guelph.
This year’s goal of The Thanksliving Project is to raise $20,000 to be distributed equally between four organizations that are meeting the needs of families and focused on well-being during the pandemic:
– The Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH);
– Children’s Foundation of Guelph and Wellington;
– Ignatius Jesuit Centre Educational Programs and Environmental Stewardship; and
– Welcome Drop In Centre.
The decision to focus on family needs and well-being is partially based on results from a recent survey conducted by McMaster University and the Offord Centre for Child Studies.
The Ontario Parent Survey explored what families and children are experiencing as a result of the COVID-19 shutdown.
“The findings are significant and concerning,” officials say.
Almost 60 per cent of caregivers/parents meet the criteria for depression, and 40% of caregivers/parents reported deterioration in their children’s behaviour or mood. Just over one-third of families reported some loss of income.
“I am proud to be a student in a board that takes on initiatives like The Thanksliving Project,” said Ella Holt, also a student trustee and student at St. James.
“The hardships of 2020 are directly impacting families in our very own community.
“It is a great opportunity to continue the tradition of giving that has been a focus of the annual Bishop’s Dinner.”
The Guelph Community Foundation will be collecting all funds on behalf of The Thanksliving Project and helping the board distribute funds directly to the charities.
Donations
Gifts of all sizes are welcome and can be made at canadahelps.org/en/dn/52468 or clicking on The Thanksgiving Project link at wellingtoncdsb.ca.
The Thanksliving project will conclude on Oct. 31.
