On August 13, 2022, we had our Annual Community Day where we aimed to give back to the Jane and Finch population. The celebration was a showcase from a six-week Vacation Bible School (VBS) program, where all the kids were impacted with the gospel and many made decisions for Christ. It was a day filled with fun activities like games, bouncy castles, face painting, etc. We had about 130 people come for the experience.

One of the many blessings we were able to receive was the gift of neighbourhood and local organizations giving back. Chop Steakhouse, located in Vaughan, offered catering—bringing enough food to feed everyone. Angelo’s Homestyle Restaurant, located on Jane Street and Steeles Avenue, and The Juxtaposition Podcast, donated funds to purchase backpacks. In addition, a community member named CK donated more than 40 backpacks and 10 new pairs of sneakers. BrazyKutz Barbershop, located on St. Clair Ave. West, provided free haircuts to the kids. Children and youth who attended the event were able to get a new backpack and school supplies which would aid in their success this new school season.

I have mentioned these people who helped because God has blessed us with a community that is willing to support and bless these kids. It takes a collective effort to help raise the next generation.

As the celebration went on, we moved into the Christian Centre Church sanctuary to see Inner City Outreach’s summer camp performances. The camp showed everything from skits to dances and singing. For six weeks, the camp prepared for this day, to perform with excellence in front of their parents and members of the neighbourhood. Some are from unchurched backgrounds and, as is typical, we will see their families trickle into church services in the following weeks.

Next year we hope to make this event bigger and better, but in order to do that, we need more partnerships from others. We are blessed to be able to give back to the Jane and Finch community, one that is so diverse and beautiful. 

Olu Jegede has been the lead pastor of Christian Centre Church in Toronto, Ontario, since 2016.

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