We are thrilled to announce the recipients of the 2024 Beverly Fenerty-McKibbon Pastoral Development Grants! We extend our heartfelt gratitude to all the clergy members who submitted their applications and shared their work with us.

Though the following recipients are listed in no particular order, we wholeheartedly recognize and commend each of them for their dedication to their communities, the impactful ministries they have created and the projects they have proposed.

Rev. Joanne O’Connor – Pembroke

We are providing $1000 to contribute to The Grind and the Breakfast Program. This program helps support the unhoused and people experiencing food insecurity in Pembroke. As part of her ministry, Joanne also helps the organization by collecting and delivering hygiene products (soap, shampoo, deodorant, sanitizer) as well as clothing (hats, mitts, socks). With this support, we are confident that the program will continue to make a significant difference in the lives of those in need.

Rev. Julie Charland – Casselman, ON

We are excited to announce a contribution of $500 to support the creation of “Birthday Kits” for the Casselman Food Bank. This community project aims to provide families and individuals experiencing food insecurity with the opportunity to celebrate birthdays, a joy that might otherwise seem unattainable. Additionally, Clergy Support Memorial Church is generously offering an extra $500 to the Casselman Food Bank. Together, we are making birthdays a little brighter for those in need.

Rev. Andrea Benson-McDougall – Metcalfe, ON

We are providing $500 for the purchase of reusable sanitary kits for young women in Nepal. Following an adventure to Everest Base Camp in Nepal in 2022, Andrea returned in March 2023 with a mission to promote health and hygiene awareness, self-defence, cybersecurity, and to distribute reusable sanitary kits to young women in the rural Annapurna region of Nepal. The support and gratitude she witnessed from the people she met inspired her to plan a return in September 2024. Together, we are empowering young women to lead healthier, safer, and more dignified lives.

Rev. Marie Viviane Giroux – North Bay, ON

We are thrilled to announce a contribution of $500 to support the ongoing translation of her book, “La cabane à sucre,” into English. Additionally, this funding will assist in the creation of a second book designed specifically for individuals diagnosed with cognitive impairment and dementia. These easy-to-read books aim to stimulate memories of the past and provide meaningful engagement. Her first book in this series has been presented to retirement and long-term care homes in her area, where it has received great acclaim. With this support, we are excited to see her continue to make a positive impact on the lives of many more individuals.

Rev. Carole Rogers-Beaudoin – Welland, ON

We are providing $300 to support her initiative of crocheting prayer blankets. She provides these blankets to individuals in need of prayer intervention and support.

Each blanket comes with the Lord’s Prayer and a caring message from Carole. She offers these blankets to anyone who requests one or wishes to give one to someone who may be ill or in a senior’s home. With this support, we believe her initiative will continue to bring comfort and hope to many more individuals.

Rev. Nick Scime – Hamilton, ON

We are providing $250 to support a fundraising initiative for the Hamilton Aviary. Rev Scime’s bocce ball fundraiser aims to collect funds to purchase food and other essentials for 8 birds for a year. With this support, we are confident that the initiative will significantly enhance the community’s enjoyment and knowledge of birds in their area.

We are thrilled to celebrate each of the recipients on their well-deserved awards! Their unwavering dedication to their communities and the remarkable positive impact they are making through their projects are truly inspiring and deserving of the highest commendation.

For those who wish to support or contribute to any of the awarded ministries, please reach out to Robb McDonald at robb@clergysupportchurch.ca. He will be more than happy to connect you with any of the recipients to facilitate your generous support.

Let’s continue to build and uplift our communities together!