Blog Archives

Patience and Space

8/26/2013

"There is a great paradox in the reality of what people surviving the street require in terms of timing.

The urgency of our goodness and concern is vital. But the patience and space required when and if we show up is no less vital, and in most cases is the game-changer.

It is why I can never subscribe to appeasing funders driven by numbers-served, or mollifying impatient volunteers with personal agendas, or entertaining church groups worried that every bag lunch they bring gets distributed within a certain timeframe. It’s all a matter of great sensitivity and thoughtfulness.

Relief work is no substitute for grace, and is only and always radically short-changed without it."

-Tim Huff, Street Level Network

Sue's Legacy

8/24/2013

It's been a year since we lost a dear friend and Green Wood co-conspirator, Sue Johnston. There are many times that we have missed her humour, strength and inspiration. Reflecting on some of the lessons that Sue taught us, recently-retired Green Wood board member, Crystal Cranch wrote the following poem. We present it here as tribute to Sue and a reminder of her legacy.

Kentucky BBq 'Swings' into Port Hope

8/11/2013

Does the thought of Kentucky BBQ on a summer's day make you salivate? Do you love to golf? The latest in a series of community-initiated summer fundraisers in benefit of Green Wood Coalition will be next Sunday's 'Greens & Woods Charity Golf Tournament', with a mouth-watering Southern-style spread as a main feature. This event promises to be beautiful, fun and very, very delicious.

The 'best ball' tournament gets underway at noon with a shotgun start at 1:00 PM on the gorgeous, rolling greens of Port Hope Golf & Country Club, and includes prizes, Southern-style drinks and a memorable culinary experience.

There is still time to register your foursome or duo ($150 per person), or to reserve a spot at the BBQ only (that part is just $50 per person). Email [email protected] or call Amelia at 416-455-2858. You won't want to miss this one!

Shared Art Project

8/10/2013

Our Creative Arts Group and assorted volunteers enjoyed a great day of sharing the creative experience with visitors to today's Arts Festival in Port Hope's Memorial Park. Inspired by the tradition of Tibetan prayer flags, we encouraged people to write or draw prayers, wishes, memorial notes, poems, or quotes onto hand-dyed flags, then attach them to our community art installation. It was a wonderful, often touching, experience for everyone involved. The art piece that we assembled will be installed at our community garden on Peter St., in Port Hope (across from The Tower Hotel). Many thanks to all who helped to make this project such a memorable event.

Thank you, Mary Anne

8/9/2013

The Northumberland community is losing a dear friend as Mary Anne Rowlands and her husband, Doug, leave today for retirement to the East Coast. In addition to the great work that Mary Anne accomplished while she was an Outreach Worker with Green Wood, she managed The Help Centre in Cobourg for a dozen years, endearing herself to many people who found themselves struggling with poverty and disability.

Mary Anne brought compassion and understanding to these roles that went far beyond typical job expectations. She will be greatly missed by this community, but we wish her and Doug our best as they embark on a new adventure. Thank you, Mary Anne.