(January, 2000) We’ve turned the page on the calendar, checked our computers for compatibility and everything is a go! The Year 2000 is here along with a very special Jubilee year.

We’re excited about all that awaits us as we prepare to launch our 24th annual appeal. With a new theme recently announced, materials being produced as we speak and lots of planning taking place, we hope you’ll join the ShareLife family for Campaign 2000!

From walkathons to service projects, golf tournaments to dinners, we’ve got lots in store for the ShareLife family in 2000. Visit our web site often to get all the latest information on what’s happening with ShareLife! Coming soon - all sorts of new info on Campaign 2000.

(January, 2000) As announced in late 1999, ShareLife will not be holding formal "kickoff events" for campaign 2000. It was felt that due to the emphasis on the large number of Jubilee activities, we would instead hold an information session on Saturday, February 5, 2000 at St. Elizabeth of Hungary Parish - 9:30 - 11:30 a.m.

Who should attend? This special information session will be beneficial for pastors, parish secretaries and volunteers who are new to the ShareLife campaign.

What will I learn? The session will:

• give an overview and history of the ShareLife annual appeal
• explain the basics of the direct mail vs. canvassed campaign
• highlight important elements of the ShareLife parish manual
• answer any general questions regarding the parish campaign

Where do I go? St. Elizabeth of Hungary Parish Hall - 432 Sheppard Avenue East (just west of Bayview Avenue - on the north side). The Information Session will go from 9:30 -11:30 a.m. (light refreshments served).

If you plan on attending, please R.S.V.P. to ShareLife’s Candace Wilson at (416) 934-3400 by February 2, 2000.

(Winter, 2000) We encourage parishes to launch their "ShareLife Campaign 2000" at this time. Have you booked your speaker yet? Are lawn signs visible for all to see? Do you have a special event planned to launch your campaign? Remember, ShareLife Sunday is April 9, 2000 and we want everyone to know about it! Thanks to all those who continue to volunteer their time to support ShareLife!

(March, 2000) High school students across the city will take to the streets once again this year to go all day, all night and all out to make a difference! We'll have 5 buses transporting Toronto's top high school leaders to give back to the community through special service projects. From visits with Seniors, painting, food preparation, reflections on the homeless, you name it, they'll be doing it. If you've got a media contact or are interested in helping to promote the 24 Hours of Service, send us an e-mail and let us know what you can do to get involved!!

(April, 2000) Once again, we invite you to walk, jog, roll, wheel or blade with us as we celebrate our ShareLife Jubilee Walk 2000! We return to High Park once again at 2 p.m. on Sunday, April 30, where walkers will gather to raise valuable funds and awareness to the work of ShareLife. We're asking participants to raise pledges of $10 or more or if you'd prefer to walk without pledges, there will be a registration fee of $10. This includes a barbeque lunch as well as a walkathon t-shirt that you'll be able to wear proudly for weeks and months to come.

So join ShareLife agencies, the Knights of Columbus, Scotiabank, schools, clergy and families from across the Archdiocese of Toronto for our ShareLife Jubilee Walk, April 30, 2000. Contact the ShareLife office to get your pledge form today!

(April, 2000) Thanks to the 250 students from across the Archdiocese who collectively gave 6,000 hours back to the community on April 13/14th. By all accounts, the 2nd Annual 24 Hours of Service was a smashing success. From clean-ups alongside the highway to work with Seniors, mentoring grade 8's to sorting items at local food banks - you truly gave of your time and talents to reach out to others. Let's celebrate the positive contributions of young people - you continue to make a difference and are important members of the ShareLife family. Thanks to all those who helped in the organization of the 24 Hours of Service - a team effort makes for a successful event!! So catch your breath and we'll start the planning for next year.

(May, 2000) Special thanks to all those who joined us at High Park on April 30th for ShareLife's annual walkathon. We were blessed with great weather and we took full advantage of the day - to all those groups, organizations, parishes and families that joined us, thanks so much for taking part. We'd also like to thank our corporate sponsors: Scotiabank and Kelsey's for making this year's walk a great success!

Look for photos from the walk in ShareLife's new photo album! And as Bishop De Angelis would say, "It's never too early to start training for next year!"

(Summer, 2000) We have reached our $10 million goal! Thank you to all those who were part of this success! Your contribution will help change the lives of more than 100,000 people in our community and around the world this year. Our campaign theme for this year "Our Faith Lives in What We Do!" has been demonstrated by your generosity. Your support makes a difference in the lives of those in need - we could not do it without you! From all of us at ShareLife… thank you for sharing!

(Summer, 2000) We are grateful to all those who have contributed to the numerous disaster relief efforts in the last year. Hurricane Mitch rebuilding efforts continue one year later.

Close to $200,000 has been raised to support Turkish Earthquake Relief while almost $20,000 has been collected for the East Timor Relief Fund. ShareLife charges no administrative fees for disaster relief donations - we channel relief funds through the Canadian Catholic Organization for Development & Peace, a ShareLife funded agency who work with their international partners.

(November, 2000) St. Bernadette's elementary school in Mississauga is gearing up for a very special event that will help "Share the Spirit" as we prepare for the Christmas holidays. 

On Thursday, December 14th from 6 - 8 p.m., the school will be welcoming children and their families from the community for a variety of activities. From a Bazaar, bake sale and silent auction to face painting, magic shows and Christmas carols (you may even catch an appearance by Santa) ... there will be something for everyone!

Please take the time to join the St. Bernadette's for this special event. The proceeds raised will go to benefit ShareLife, helping more than 100,000 people locally and globally each year. The school is located 1060 White Clover Way in Mississauga. For more information on the St. Bernadette's "Share the Spirit" celebration, contact Nancy Daniels or Joanna Lawson at (905) 501-9498. Hope to see you there!!

(December, 2000) During this season of Advent, as we prepare for the birth of the Christ child, we encourage you to step back for a moment and give thanks. We've all been blessed with many talents and gifts. This holiday season, perhaps as a family, we take the time to recognize that God has provided us with so much - there are many in our community who continue to suffer daily.

Are we reaching out to those in need? The ShareLife family is grateful for our community of donors and supporters. This holiday season, we pray for those who support us as well as those who need our assistance. Our wish is that God may continue to bless you and your family as we remain ever conscious of those less fortunate in our prayers and every day actions. "Our Faith Lives In What We Do!" Merry Christmas from the entire ShareLife family!

The Archdiocese of Toronto is now online with an extensive website outlining the various ministries, parishes, resources and other useful information provided by the Archdiocese. To access the Archdiocese of Toronto's website, visit www.archtoronto.org.