Dear Friend of Out of the Cold,
All Saints Kingsway Church would like to say thank you for you continued interest and/or participation in our outreach program, Out of the Cold (OOTC) at All Saints Kingsway Church and to let you know about a few changes. Fr. Brian has moved on to his own parish this fall, and we give thanks for his leadership in OOTC, particularly as we re-opened after COVID. We would like to introduce to you our new Volunteer Co-ordinators of the program, Katherine Bates and Nina Arsenault. Nina, a longtime leader of this program, has worked as a co-ordinator for years and Katherine has volunteered as our nurse on Friday nights with the program, and she will continue to serve in that capacity as well. Katherine and Nina will lead the program together and we are grateful to God for their willingness to take this on. We are excited for this year’s program and how God will use you in this ministry.
Blessings,
Patrick+
Out of the Cold Program 2024/2025
The Out of the Cold (OOTC) team are happy that you are interested in volunteering. There are many rewards in being a volunteer with the OOTC program, a very meaningful organization. Let us provide you with details about the OOTC program in the prospects that you will find a fit for the skills that you bring. The OOTC program has operated at All Saints Kingsway since 1996. Guests are provided with dinner and opportunities to socialize, with up to 100 guests per week. Last season was the first-year children came along with their parents/grandparents and took part in the program.
Our 2024-2045 season will, again, operate on Fridays, starting the first Friday in November 2024, and ending the last Friday in March 2025. The program is open from 5:30 – 9:00p.m.
During this time volunteers are assigned tasks and are encouraged to socialize with the guests. Spending time before they have their meal, an after-dinner movie, encouragement at the Art Table, and playing board games/cards are some of the examples our volunteers engaged with guests.
Volunteers have an opportunity to assist in the following areas:
- Pre-opening Set-up [3:30 – 5:00p.m.] Set up tables, chairs, and place settings
- Intake [5:15 – 9:00p.m.] Following set guidelines, welcome and admit guests into the program
- Clothing Table [5:30 – 7:30p.m.] Distribute new socks and underwear weekly, and new t-shirts bi-weekly
- Food Service [5:30 – 8:00p.m.] Serve food, drinks, and clean-up dishes andwipe down tables when guests are done
- Dish Scrapers and Dish Washers [5:30 – 8:00p.m.] Set-up scraping station, scrape dishes, prepare for washing, run through machine, put clean dishes away
- Laundry Assistance and Shower Monitor [5:30 – 9:00p.m.] Wash and fold clothing, provide towels and hygiene products
- Closing Evening Break-down [7:30 – 9:30p.m.] Sanitize tables and chairs, store away ready for next week
Volunteers may choose to come weekly or bi-weekly however, we ask that you please only commit to the hours you know you are available. As a volunteer you will work as part of a team, with a Team Lead and other experienced volunteers.
If you are looking for a way to make an impact locally, while giving back to community, or if you have any questions about the program, the areas, or responsibilities outlined above, we would love to hear from you by email. Please include your name, e-mail address, phone number and any area of interest when responding. A program coordinator will respond to you via email or telephone within one (1) week of receipt of your email.
This program would not be possible without the generosity of volunteers and donors like you!
We thank you for your interest and look forward to hearing from you,
Katherine Bates and Nina Arsenault
OOTC Program Coordinators
All Saints Kingsway Anglican Church
ootc@allsaintskingsway.ca
