St Thomas Lenten Program 2025

The Lenten program this year focuses on the needs of our immediate community.  We will be raising funds to help to support a self-defence program and BC Housing Kids Club run by South Van Neighbourhood house for newcomer and at-risk children.  The children participants in this program face additional barriers such as lower mental health, high food insecurity, and family members who may be struggling with addiction/substance use.

The self defense program is in response to both a lack of physical activity programs in South Vancouver and to the need to increase a community sense of safety for children. The program will take place at Tecumseh elementary (a short walk from St. Thomas) once a week in cohort periods of 5-7 weeks at a time.

The BC Housing Kids Club is for children aged 6 to 12 years living at 3 different BC Housing sites: Culloden Court, Orchard Park (just a short distance from St. Thomas) and Champlain Heights. It runs year-round, five days a week even during spring, winter, and summer breaks.

The funds we raise will address a shortfall in the funding to provide food for the children at the self-defense program and BC Housing Kids Club; approximately $8,250 is needed for one year. Please designate your contribution as "Lenten Outreach", and support our fundraising events: the Mardi Gras Celebration on March 8, and the upcoming book sale.