(March, 2002) ShareLife officially launches its parish campaign this Sunday, March 17, as parishes work to raise $11.3 million in 2002. 1.5 million Catholics from across the Archdiocese of Toronto are invited to participate in the annual appeal, which funds 33 agencies reaching out to more than 100,000 people in need each year. Executive Director, Terry Thompson remarked, "As we launch the parish campaign, I am hopeful that our community will respond in generosity so that we may continue our important work of helping those in need."

Adding to the excitement of the campaign launch is the recent honour bestowed on the charity by His Holiness, Pope John Paul II for ShareLife’s work abroad in the area of humanitarian relief. The Holy Father appointed ShareLife as one of 40 worldwide members of the Pontifical Council Cor Unum, which the Pope established in 1971. In recent months, ShareLife has raised more than $400,000 to support relief efforts in Afghanistan, the Congo and the United States.

Since 1976, ShareLife has raised more than $200 million. Campaign 2002 is working to raise $13.5 million overall: a parish target of $11.3 million in addition to campaigns supported by the corporate and community sectors. With 91 cents of every dollar raised going directly to its agencies, ShareLife is a leader in the charitable sector.

(April, 2002) Over 2,000 participants are expected to participate in ShareLife’s annual walkathon at High Park Sunday afternoon to raise money for 33 charitable organizations. Participants include young and old as well as families and representatives from the agencies that ShareLife supports, walking the 5 km route to raise funds towards ShareLife's Campaign 2002 goal of $13.5 million. As the charitable fundraising arm of the Archdiocese of Toronto and one of Toronto's largest local charities, ShareLife supports 33 agencies who will help more than 100,000 people this year. Overall, 91 cents of every dollar raised goes directly to agencies working across the GTA and in developing nations. Since 1976, ShareLife has raised more than $200 million to support those in need.

The day also features musical entertainment, food and special prizes recognizing school, church and other teams. Registration opens at 12:00 p.m. and the walk itself begins at 2:30 p.m. – rain or shine. Photo and interview ops are available from ShareLife staff, agency representatives, walkers and other "special guests."

(May, 2002) It will be pretty busy on and off city streets today as about 800 Toronto-area high school students spend the next 24 hours volunteering more than 20,000 hours – part of the 4th annual "24 hours of Service" blitz!

Eighteen buses will transport the students to various community-building service projects, including gardening, spring clean-ups, visiting seniors and serving the homeless. The local projects will cover every part of the GTA – from Oshawa to Brampton, Newmarket to Toronto and up to Barrie.

24 Hours of Service raises no money; instead, it allows Catholic youth to touch the lives of those most in need and to give back to the community while learning valuable leadership skills. This year’s event will also help students prepare for World Youth Day 2002 in Toronto this July, discovering more about their own personal gifts and talents.

Since 24 Hours of Service started in 1999, more than 1,000 students from 5 school boards and 50 high schools have volunteered more than 20,000 hours, visiting over 75 different service locations in our community.

(November, 2002) ShareLife has announced that its 2003 Campaign theme will be, "A Faith That Acts…" Called as good and faithful stewards of God’s many gifts, we invite the Catholic community to respond in generosity, serving the needs of the poor and marginalized among us. Are we translating our spiritual connection into tangible acts of service for others? This is the theme that we will use to transmit the ShareLife message in 2003. Look for new materials and updated Campaign 2003 details coming soon to the ShareLife website.

(November, 2002) Many have been following the recent investigative report in the Toronto Star discussing how some charitable organizations are mismanaging funds, with very little of donor funds going towards providing tangible services. This is a troubling fact for many who seem to be co-erced into making financial donations for organizations that are not operating in an open and transparent manner.

It’s important for you to know that your gift to ShareLife is being used both responsibly and effectively to make a difference. 91 cents of every dollar raised goes directly to our 33 agencies, providing services to more than 100,000 people this year. This ratio makes ShareLife one of the top charities in the country in regards to fiscal management.

Donors should take the time to ask charities where exactly funds are being spent – your donation is an investment of trust and resources. You can see a simple breakdown of how your ShareLife dollar is spent by clicking the Who Benefits section, where we have a pie chart breakdown for easy reference. Thanks to all those who continue to support the ShareLife family - fiscal responsibility is important to us and we will continue to keep you informed!

(December, 2002) ShareLife would like to take a moment to wish you and your family a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. We have much to be thankful for – the ShareLife family has been truly blessed to work with so many wonderful volunteers, agency workers and generous donors. We thank you for your on-going support.

As we celebrate the birth of the Christ child, may we reflect on the many blessings we’ve received this past year. May this season be one of joy and peace. Together we celebrate our faith and share our many gifts. Have a wonderful holiday!