With each Southridge location having a very focused “Anchor Cause” that reaches out to the most pressing need in their neighborhood, our church is able to make a huge difference in the community.  As a result we tell lots of incredible stories of how the community is doing great things in the areas of homelessness, seniors and widows, single parent families, and kids at risk.

In addition to this focus though, there are countless other incredible stories of how the Southridge community is reaching out to be difference-makers here in Niagara and across the world through embracing a lifestyle of action personally.  This past week is a shining example of this, and here a few stories to give you a picture of the unsung heroes in our church community.

“Walk a Mile in HER Shoes,” is an incredible fund-raising campaign lead by Joanne Doyley, with all of the proceeds going to Gillian’s Place, an amazing organization that empowers abused women in Niagara (www.gilliansplace.com).  This past weekend, the event raised over $75,000, and “Team Southridge” made up of 12 members of the Southridge Community, won the “Golden Shoe” award by raising a combined total of $9,500.

A few years ago, a Life Group from Southridge went on a mission’s trip to Guatemala with Wells of Hope (www.wellsofhope.com)  When they came home, they decided to devote themselves to raising funds for Wells of Hope to assist in purchasing a new drilling rig that would bring fresh, clean water to the poorest of the poor in rural Guatemala.  To date, their “Dig a Little Deeper” campaign has raised over $240,000, and this past weekend, their event, “When Pigs Fly” brought in over $13,000.

My final hero is Isabelle, an 8-year-old attender of Southridge.  This is a summary of what she did in her own words:

“So one day I was walking with my mom and came up with an idea.  That idea was helping the Southridge Shelter.  I am always thinking about the Southridge Shelter.  So I told my mom and dad and they helped me with my idea.  In total I think it took me ALL summer long to create a fine looking idea and make a lot of pictures.  So we created the “Art in the Yard” postcards and pictures with some of my drawings.  It made me feel really proud of myself.  It made me feel in some sort of a way that I am actually helping a LOT of people.  Now they can enjoy a very merry Christmas.  Thank you all for reading this and I hope you will all help other homeless people too.”

Isabelle’s “Art in the Yard” yard event was quite a success with all of her art being sold, while she raised awareness about local homelessness.  A few days ago, Isabelle scheduled a meeting with me (for real) and presented me with an envelope for $1334.87.  She has asked that this be used to help our homeless friends have a Merry Christmas.

I have so many more stories I could share.  As more and more of the Southridge community embraces a lifestyle of action in our own personal lives - beyond our anchor cause programs - the world is becoming a better place.