At the Lyncroft Hospitality Training Centre in Toronto, we have been following the development of the Copper Ridge Conference Centre since its inception. Aware of its potential to do great wonders for many people, we were eager to be part of making this project possible. So when we heard that there was a drive to support the success of this initiative through hours of Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament, we jumped at the opportunity. This would definitely be a great way to make us and our friends generous in helping others with deeds, but also and firstly with our prayer!
We thought of organizing an all-night vigil on the eve of the first Friday of the month. We talked to the girls who come to the center for formational activities and they were all for it. Among those who came was Ciao and she brought her friend. Melanie, even though she was very busy with school, came as well. They stayed overnight and were very happy to have taken part in the vigil.
When the inventory of oratory items to be sponsored came out on the website of Copper Ridge, we thought it would be a wonderful way for our friends to support the centre and give back for what they receive. We promptly chose to sponsor the purchase of a Ciborium and the Stations of the Cross for the Administration oratory. The members of the girls club were eager to do a fundraising project for this. Meanwhile, each one at Lyncroft was coming up with creative ways to apply her unique skills in this endeavour. Mia and Isabel have been doing clothes alterations for friends; their circle of customers does not seem to be diminishing! From hemming pants to repairing pockets and even altering a wedding dress from three sizes larger, they have been very busy! Bene and Luzmila give French and Spanish classes to trainees and friends. Some use their baking and culinary skills to effect. Karen offered to teach a stir-fry cooking class to some friends of Lolita. Sandra, a co-operator, warmly welcomed us into her home and beautiful kitchen. Before starting the demonstration, Karen and Lolita gave a brief presentation of Copper Ridge so the ladies would understand the project. The session concluded with everyone enjoying a lovely meal on the patio and exchanging stories over the variety of dishes they had just learned to create.
We are happy and proud to report that with everyone`s contribution, we have now paid for the two items we had chosen to sponsor. We hope to continue helping!