Outreach
As ambassadors of God’s reconciling work we believe that we are sent into the world to bear witness to this work through acts of service and love. As a community rooted in the Mennonite Church, we share in a tradition of working for peace and justice locally, nationally and internationally.
Danforth Grow Hope
Danforth Mennonite Church, in partnership with the Canadian Foodgrains Bank and other Danforth churches, is fighting World Famine through a “Growing Project” sponsorship with a local farmer in Stouffville. We raise funds which are used to cover all the costs including seeds, fertilizer, other inputs, land rental and support services, of 10 acres land for growing crops. The crop is then sold and proceeds are given to Canadian Foodgrains Bank and put to work in food assistance and food security projects, multiplied up to 4 times with government funds in the process, in countries like Sudan, Ethiopia, Syria, Haiti, and others, where access to sustainable food sources is a constant challenge for millions of families.
GTA Festival for World Relief
The GTA Mennonite Festival for World Relief (GTAMF) supports relief, development and peace around the world through Mennonite Central Committee (MCC). Raising over $1.3 million since 1967, this annual event brings together volunteers from Mennonite churches across the Greater Toronto Area for a day of fun in support of a good cause.
Previously known as Black Creek Pioneer Village MCC Relief Sale and Toronto Mennonite Festival, the sale is held on the third Saturday of September. The GTAMF is part of a series of relief sales and festivals across Canada and the United States.
Supporting local Food Banks
We have connections with two –
- Nourish East End Food Bankat 1470 Gerrard St. at Glen Rhodes United Church, just west of Coxwell Ave.;
- Teasdale Community Food Bank, 40 Teasdale Ave., near Crescent Town apartments near Danforth and Victoria Park Ave.
The most needed non-perishable food items are: Canned soups/canned pastas (e.g. spaghetti), dried pastas, canned fish – e.g. tuna, salmon, sardines, canned meat - Spam, canned hams, other canned meats, boxed Mac’n cheese – e.g. Kraft Dinner, soap in bars
We also encourage you to give cash/cheque/E-transfers through Church Treasurer Roger H., earmarked for Nourish East End Foodbank and/or Teasdale Community Food Bank. Food Banks need cash to purchase items they do not receive from Daily Bread Foodbank and Second Harvest. They are often short of meat protein and/or milk so the Food Bank Director purchases these from cash donations.
To donate, please contact Roger at danforthmennonitechurch@gmail.com
Our Giving Tree
In the weeks leading up to Christmas, we at DMC collect items of clothing suitable for the season (hats, scarves, mitts, socks).
The Christmas giving tree is set up each year in the sanctuary. The donations are hung on the tree with the overflow placed in bins under the tree.
These will be dropped off for distribution to struggling families in the Taylor/Massey Community.
Thank you for your generosity.
If you have a donation, or questions on how you can donate, please contact us at danforthmennonitechurch@gmail.com
St. Clair O'Connor Community
St. Clair O’Connor Community (SCOC) is a non-profit organization that is dedicated to developing an intergenerational community. The Danforth Mennonite and Toronto United Mennonite churches collaborated on the initial vision for St Clair O’Connor Community, and members of the two communities have offered a lot of their talents and skills over the years, as architects, designers, administrators, volunteers, and of course as residents! These congregations support the chaplaincy program and contribute members to the board. Being part of SCOC’s mission to nurture the health and wellbeing of older adults and families is both a labour of love, and an expression of faith.
Indigenous Justice
DMC work towards Indigenous justice, both locally and across Canada through awareness raising and solidarity events. Our support for Mennonite Central Committee includes programs such as the Indigenous Neighbours program that seeks to walk in friendship and solidarity with Indigenous peoples not only in Canada but globally.
Ecumenical and interfaith initiative
Identify and promote opportunities for involvement in ecumenical and interfaith ministries and events. DMC, through its membership in Mennonite Church Canada, are affiliate members of the Canadian Council of Churches and the Canadian Evangelical Association. Locally we collaborate with other churches to address world hunger through Danforth Grow Hope.
Willowgrove
Willowgrove is an outdoor oasis that provides recreational, educational, and land-based services for children and youth, supporting personal and spiritual development, play and learning, exploration of nature, and connections across generations. Willowgrove is rooted in Mennonite values, celebrating diversity while fostering justice, service, and reconciliation in our communities.
Newcomer and Refugees
Welcoming newcomers is an important aspect of practicing hospitality, a core tenet of the Christian faith. DMC supports newcomers and refugees in a variety of ways, but a key means is through the Mennonite New Life Centre (MNLC). This is a community-based settlement agency in the city of Toronto that offers a place of welcome, friendship and community. It is where newcomers and neighbours gather to support each other, learn from each other, and take action together for a more just and compassionate society.