(January, 2001) The upcoming campaign year marks ShareLife's 25th Anniversary. Since 1976, ShareLife has been supported by the generosity of people in our community sharing their time, talent and treasure to make a difference in the lives of those most in need. Over the years ShareLife's reach has grown and we now support 33 agencies that help over 100,000 people in our community and abroad. What has not changed is our commitment to showing those who need help that they are loved and cared for. Reaching out to others and sharing our gifts has made the ShareLife annual appeal a success for 25 years.

Keep an eye on this web site for updates on coming events for the 25th Anniversary. If you have any suggestions for this celebration let us know. Maybe you have a special story about how ShareLife has touched your life, or maybe you know someone who has shown an extraordinary commitment to ShareLife in the past 25 years that you think we should know about.

(January, 2000) The year 2001 marks the 25th Anniversary of ShareLife with the theme: "25 Years of Caring & Sharing!" For 25 years ShareLife has been involved in our community helping those who are struggling. Making a sacrificial gift to ShareLife is a wonderful sign of our stewardship and will help celebrate "25 Years of Caring & Sharing!"

(January, 2001) The new goal for this year's campaign has been set! Together, we will work to raise $10.8 million in the Parish Appeal, for an overall total of $13 million. Make a sacrificial gift and help our 33 agencies continue to make a difference in the lives of those who need your support. Your contribution affects the lives of more than 100,000 people in our community and abroad.  

Our theme this anniversary year is "25 Years of Caring & Sharing!" Become part of the tradition of helping the marginalized among us by becoming part of the ShareLife family in 2001. Thank you to all of our past supporters who have made this anniversary celebration possible. With your help, we look forward to making sharing… a way of life for many more years to come!

(January, 2001) It's never too soon to plan ahead! The new dates for some of your favourite ShareLife events have been finalized - it's official! Mark them on your calendar for the upcoming year and don't miss out on all the fun. You can look forward to a special year in 2001, celebrating the 25th Anniversary of ShareLife. Keep an eye on the ShareLife web site for news on how you can join the celebrations marking 25 years of giving to those most in need in our community and around the world.

DATES TO PUT ON YOUR CALENDAR:

• 25th Anniversary Celebration: February 20, 2001
• ShareLife Sunday: April 1, 2001
• 3rd Annual 24 Hours of Service: April 26/27, 2001
• Walkathon: April 29, 2001 (last Sunday in April)

(January, 2001) Invitations have been sent out for the ShareLife 25th Anniversary celebration. The event takes place on February 20th and will bring together many of those who have been part of the ShareLife family over the past 25 years. From volunteers to clergy, committee members to agency representatives, it will be a time to reflect on the changes we have made as a community, see some familiar faces, and celebrate stewardship in our lives.

If you have not received an invitation and wish to take part in this event, please contact the ShareLife office.

(January, 2001) We invite you to join us on Saturday, January 20, 2001 for a special day highlighting the topic of Stewardship in our community. Principal speaker will be Fr. Bernie O'Neill, St Vincent de Paul Parish, Dartmouth, Nova Scotia where he has practiced and preached stewardship for many years. He will speak on the spirituality and practical application of stewardship of our time, our gifts and our talents both in our personal lives and parishes.

A workshop will be conducted by John Zurakowski of the Catholic Office of Religious Education and Mary Kelly, Stewardship & Sacrificial Giving Manager, so that attendees can share ideas and raise questions on how to bring what they learn to life in their own parishes.

This day is designed for members of Parish & Pastoral Councils, Ministry Leaders, Finance Councils, ShareLife committees, Parish Social Ministers and other individuals who accept that, as disciples of Jesus, stewardship is a way of life.

• Cost: $14.00 - individual
• $50.00 for parish group of 5 - $12.00 each additional parish member
• Lunch included

To register or for more information contact: Mary Kelly, (416) 934-3400 or by e-mail: marykelly@archtoronto.org.

On January 20, 2001 nearly 100 individuals and parish groups gathered together to focus on the issue of stewardship as a way of life. The principal speaker was was Fr. Bernie O'Neill, who spoke about the spirituality of stewardship and the practical application of our time, gifts and resources. Fr. O'Neill is pastor of St. Vincent de Paul parish in Dartmouth, Nova Scotia, where he has practiced and preached stewardship for many years. Other speakers were John Macrea, who shared some of his personal experiences with stewardship and John Zurakowski, who conducted a workshop for focusing on implementing changes on the parish level.

Thank you to all those attended and those who contributed by sharing their time, talents and treasure to make this event a success.

(January 29, 2001) ShareLife has responded to the tragic earthquake in India with a grant-in-aid of $30,000. You can help with a donation to the ShareLife office or through your parish. Find out more by reading our latest press release.

(March, 2001) We invite all ShareLife volunteers, past and present to join us on Sunday, April 22nd at St. Mary's Parish in Brampton (66 Main Street South - Highway 10/Hurontario, north of Steeles, south of Queen St.) for "A Eucharistic Celebration of the Volunteer." His Eminence, Aloysius Cardinal Ambrozic will be the celebrant and homilist. A short reception will follow in the parish hall. ShareLife will be the recipient of a special award recognizing 25 years of service to the community. 

For more information, call (416) 934-3400. We hope to see you there!

(March, 2001) ShareLife held a dual celebration in late February with a special evening bringing together volunteers both past and present. Close to 800 "friends of ShareLife" joined us for a wonderful evening at the Montecassino Place where we were able to take a look back and reflect on the impact ShareLife has made since 1976.

Thanks to all those who joined us and helped make the evening so memorable. You can see some photos from our 25th Anniversary Celebration by visiting the ShareLife Photo Album. We look forward to making "sharing… a way of life!" for many years to come.

(March, 2001) It's not too early to start thinking about this year's Walkathon. Let the training begin! We're excited to have you join us at High Park, Sunday April 29th at 2:30 p.m. for our annual ShareLife 5km walkathon. With food, entertainment and prizes, you won't want to miss this great family event.

This year, we'll be recognizing school, parish and lay groups with special prizes for the top fundraisers in each category. Contact our office and we'll send you a pledge form and all the information you need to get your group started.

We look forward to seeing you on Sunday, April 29th at 2:30 p.m. at High Park.

(March, 2001) Planning continues for this year's 24 Hours of Service, April 26/27, 2001. 500 young leaders from close to 50 high schools will take part, traveling on 10 buses to service locations across the Archdiocese of Toronto. Be on the look out for these leaders making a difference and giving back to the community on April 26 & 27. Together we'll give back 12,000 hours, going all day, all night and all out to serve the need of our community. We'll be challenging our young people to ask themselves, "What can you do in 24 hours?" Get ready for the 3rd annual 24 Hours of Service!!

(April, 2001) Thanks to parishes across the Archdiocese for their tremendous efforts on ShareLife Sunday, April 1st. As we celebrate our 25th Anniversary campaign, there is a wonderful spirit alive across the Archdiocese and we are grateful for all those who will reach out to join the ShareLife family this year. Watch for our results update coming soon as we begin to tally totals and work our way towards our parish goal of $10.8 million.

Remember, you can donate through your parish, the ShareLife office or securely online. Reach out and make a difference today - more than 100,000 people at home and thousands more around the world will be touched by the helping hand of ShareLife this year. Don't forget to visit the ShareLife Photo Album for highlights of our 25th Anniversary Celebration.

(May, 2001) On Thursday, April 26th and Friday, April 27th, 500 of Toronto's top Catholic high school leaders hit the road to give back 12,000 hours of service to the community.

If you saw our 10 buses in action, drop us an e-mail and share your thoughts about your experience with the 24 Hours of Service. We'll be posting photos and reflections soon from this year's 24 Hours of Service. Thanks to all who helped make the event such a great success!

You can also check out some photos from the event in our ShareLife Photo Album. If you've got any ideas for a service activity in your area, e-mail the ShareLife office with your idea. Thanks to all those who took the time to give back to the community for this year's 24 Hours of Service.

(May, 2001) Special thanks to all those who joined us at High Park on April 29th for our annual walkathon. We continued our 25th Anniversary celebrations with a beautiful day of sunshine, friendship and fun! With musical bands, pipers and, of course, Bishop De Angelis leading the way, a great day was enjoyed by one and all.

Special thanks to all those who registered as a parish, school or lay movement teams. Our office staff is busy counting all the pledges and we'll soon be announcing the winners of our special prizes in the various challenge categories.

Stop by soon and you'll also see some photos from this year's walk in our Photo Album. Once again, thanks to all those who joined in ShareLife's Walkathon. You did a great job and at the same time you're helping those most in need. Now that's a winning combination!

(May, 2001) Special thanks to the 2,000 people who joined us at High Park on April 29th for our annual walkathon. We continued our 25th Anniversary celebrations with a beautiful day of sunshine, friendship and fun! With musical bands, pipers and, of course, Bishop De Angelis leading the way, a great day was enjoyed by one and all.

Special thanks to all those who registered as parish, school or lay movement teams. Total money raised so far has been just over $100,000 and we anticipate additional funds within the next several weeks. Thanks for all your hard work! Check out some photos from the event in our ShareLife Photo Album.

The following are the winners of our special "team" challenges for this year’s Walkathon:

Lay Group/Movements Award:

• 1st Place – Couples for Christ - $250 Gift Certificate – Montana’s Restaurant
• 2nd Place – TAVDA – (Toronto Area Vocation Directors Association) – $150 Gift Certificate – Appleby’s Restaurant

Parish Team Award:

• Good Shepherd Parish, Thornhill (Parish Spirit Award Plaque)

Family Team Award:

• 1st Place – The Maggisano Family - $250 Gift Certificate – Kelsey’s Restaurant
• 2nd Place – The Torres Family - $150 Gift Certificate – Appleby’s Restaurant

School Team Award:

• Fr. Leo J. Austin Secondary School, Whitby – Box for 10 at Toronto Maple Leafs Hockey Game

(Summer, 2001) Humanitarian Relief efforts continue as our family of faith reaches out to assist those suffering globally. More than $300,000 has been raised to support the India Earthquake relief effort while almost $200,000 will help with the rebuilding efforts after the El Salvador Earthquake. This is a tremendous gesture from the community and we thank you for your generosity during these most difficult times. Remember, you can donate online, through your parish or our office. We continue to offer our thoughts and prayers for all those suffering and working to rebuild.

(September 14, 2001) ShareLife announced today that it will channel funds to aid victims of the devastating events taking place in the United States earlier this week.

Funds will be sent to Catholic Charities USA, the organization commissioned by the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops to represent the Catholic community in times of domestic disaster.

ShareLife Executive Director, Terry Thompson remarked: "We are all shocked and deeply saddened by the tragic events this week. We continue to join together in prayer for the victims, their families and world peace. Others may also wish to support the relief efforts financially and we will work with Catholic Charities USA to ensure aid is channeled in a timely and effective manner."

(September, 2001) Congratulations and a big thank you to schools from the Dufferin-Peel Catholic District School Board who have raised $211,496 for ShareLife during our 25th Anniversary campaign. This represents an increase of more than 36% over last year’s total of $161,825. Funds were raised throughout the year through student dance-a-thons, staff dress down days, classroom collections and a myriad of other activities. All funds raised through the schools have been contributed to the various parishes across the board.

"It is with great pride and pleasure that I announce the results of our ShareLife campaign for 2000-2001," said Michael Bator, Director of Education. "Congratulations to our students and staff for their commitment to helping others in need."

Mr. Bator recognized the contributions of the ShareLife campaign committee members, Dario Muzzatti, Sharon Mifsud, Phil Gagnon, Lou Intini and Gerry Woodman and thanked them for their efforts in co-ordinating the successful campaign. "Success of this magnitude results from a team effort, and I give credit to the campaign committee for its outstanding efforts in making this year’s campaign our best ever."

The Dufferin-Peel Catholic District School Board is one of the largest and fastest growing school boards in Ontario. It has approximately 85,000 students in 121 schools located throughout Mississauga, Brampton, Bolton, Caledon and Orangeville.

We thank the Dufferin Peel Catholic District School Board for their tremendous efforts supporting ShareLife this year. You continue to lead by example and for your outstanding achievements we are grateful.

(September, 2001) Yes, it's that time of year again and we invite all those who are working with our Catholic schools to join us for our Campaign 2002 launches. Over the next month we'll have official launches in three of our Catholic school boards. Please join us!

• York Catholic District School Board
  Tuesday, October 23rd, 2001 - 4:30 p.m.
  Location: YCDSB Catholic Education Centre - 320 Bloomington Rd. West - Aurora

• Simcoe Muskoka Catholic District School Board
  Tuesday, November 6, 2001 - 4:30 p.m.
  Location: SMCDSB Catholic Education Centre - 46 Alliance Blvd. - Barrie

• Dufferin Peel Catholic District School Board
  Monday, October 29, 2001 - 4:00 p.m.
  Location: DPCDSB Catholic Education Centre - 40 Matheson Blvd. West - Mississauga

For more information, contact the ShareLife office at: (416) 934-3411.

(October 4, 2001) ShareLife announced today that it will channel funds to assist the thousands of refugees displaced in Afghanistan. Executive Director, Terry Thompson remarked: "The events of September 11 have elevated the gravity of the refugee crisis in Afghanistan and its borders. Thousands are fleeing daily, many of whom are children. We join together with people of all faiths to offer our prayers and financial support."

Funds will be sent to Caritas International, the Catholic Church’s humanitarian relief arm around the world. ShareLife does not charge an administration or fundraising fee for humanitarian relief – 100% of donations go to the relief partner providing assistance.

As you may have noticed, online donations through a secure server are now an option for those donors who prefer to give through ShareLife's website. We appreciate the enthusiastic support of those who have made an online donation. Already, several thousand dollars have been collected through this ever popular method of giving. Don't forget, you can still have your online donation credited to your parish campaign! Once again, thanks for giving, from all of us at ShareLife!