Share Life

ShareLife Annual Appeal 

Raises $14.9 Million, Up 9.4%

Each year in the Archdiocese of Toronto, a tremendous amount of energy and resources are devoted to the annual appeal, ShareLife. It's an opportunity for all Catholics to mobilize around one basic call each one of us has as Christians - to reach out to those who experience poverty and those who are marginalized.

The ShareLife campaign supports more than 250,000 people every year through its support of 40 different agencies. In short, we're not just helping Catholics, we're helping anyone in need who turns to a ShareLife agency for assistance.

With final results announced in August, Catholics throughout the Archdiocese should feel proud that the charity has surpassed its 2012 goal by raising $14,934,663, just shy of $15 million, a 9.4% increase from 2011. For those not familiar with the ShareLife Appeal, there are a number of targeted campaigns that contribute to the overall result. These include corporate, school and parish campaigns in addition to bequests and in-memoriam gifts that are made each year by those who remember ShareLife in their will or after the passing of a loved one and wish to leave a lasting legacy.

It's no secret that fundraising in today's difficult economic climate is not easy. The ShareLife campaign was blessed this year with an anonymous donor who pledged to match new and increased donations up to $650,000. The matching gift had a tremendous impact on the overall result of the 2012 appeal.  Our own Parish raised over $60,000 - surpassing our Goal!  Thank You

ShareLife has come a long way from its beginnings in 1976, with Catholics going door to door that first year to raise just over $2 million. Yet the mission, vision and goals remain essentially the same: to model the example of Christ to serve the poor and marginalized, to put others before ourselves, to give without counting the cost, to value the sanctity of every life!

So whether it's a new immigrant looking to call Canada home, a single mom seeking support, seniors looking for quality care, a child with special needs finding the support they deserve, ShareLife and its agencies are truly working wonders.

Thanks for helping ShareLife go "over the top" in 2012. Remember, the life you change may be the person sitting beside you on the subway, at church or even a friend or relative.
Peace