#WhyWeGive – Ross and Margaret Plant
Giving Tuesday at Wesley
25 November 2024
Welcome to our new #WeAreWesley series highlighting the members of our team whose generous contributions help make our work possible: our incredible donors! In this series, titled #WhyWeGive, we’ll hear directly from donors about why they have chosen to give to Wesley and what helps them remain confident and dedicated to the work we do to support our communities.
First, let’s hear from Ross and Margaret Plant, whose words inspire us as we strive to find the best ways to deliver on our mission to help transform the lives of those most in need.
Take a look around Hamilton and it is clear that many of our brothers and sisters are in crisis. Shelters are crowded and people who are homeless do what they can to survive. Hunger and drug use seem to abound. Immigrants from war-torn countries arrive with little support. Often they need housing in their new country.
What can one person do about these problems? How does one help and what type of help is most appropriate? The answer for us is the compassionate, thoughtful interventions provided by the staff at Wesley. They do this in many different ways.
First, they identify cost-effective interventions that truly make a difference. One example of efficient intervention is that Wesley outreach staff take needed supplies and care to people living in encampments. They form relationships with the residents. They are able to offer next-step support to those who are ready. A hand up can be assistance to find housing or to offer a referral to a drug and alcohol program. Wesley has an in-house program called the Special Care Unit. It is there that people with substance use problems receive support and a safe place to live.
Wesley is able to provide refugees and asylum seekers a short term housing option plus additional customized services as needed. The children and parents have a supportive place to live and for the young ones to play. A listening ear and a guiding hand through play can make a difference. Trauma-informed care provided at Wesley is gentle and patient and kind.
Wesley provides play groups at various locations across the city for young children and their caregivers. This is another example of giving back to the community to provide a safe and comfortable place for growing families.
The above are mentioned to give an idea of just some of the many thoughtful interventions made through Wesley programming.
We decided to assist in this work by making a financial contribution. We are at a time in our lives when we have more than enough to meet our needs. It is our joy to give to Wesley because they touch each of our standards for giving. Does it make a difference? Is the intervention thoughtful? Is there an attempt to measure efficiency? Are clients treated with respect and consideration?
Wesley meets every single one and we are proud to support them in their work to serve our community.
– Ross and Margaret Plant
Do you have a donation story to share? We would love to hear from you! You can reach out to celeste.weston@wesley.ca (905 528 5629 x285) with something already written or for support in sharing your story, long or short, in a way that is comfortable for you.
