Ron and Linda Farr have been friends of mine for maybe 15 years and Linda has been working at the Yonge St. Mission. Ron was in the computer industry but with a desire to help the needy in Toronto’s Inner City.
One day, I met Ron and he told me that he had just taken a $100,000 drop in salary to take the position of Chaplain at the Salvation Army’s Gateway Men’s Hostel and would I come to his induction? I was there! I was there when he was inducted as a Minister.
Now, Ron sees the men come in off the street, those with no homes and no hope. They take the course at the Gateway, leave and, since they have no community to return to, it’s back to the same old life! Ron convinced the City to let him have an old Warehouse, rent free, to start a Community for these people.
Ron’s BIG DREAM is to be able to spend 100% of his time at The Warehouse, working with and helping those in need; physically, financially and spiritually. He has outgrown the present premises and needs a larger building. He needs support for him and his wife, Linda, so they can spend their full time at The Warehouse. He needs money for supplies and for food.
During a Christmas Fundraising Dinner he made the connection to provide steel toed work boots and Ron picked up 82 pair (more to come) that were donated by the manufacturer. Word got out that these were coming and there was a written list of 32 men in only a couple of hours and a line up waiting for the precious boots. The next day, the men were out there working! Work they couldn’t do without the boots.
On Christmas Day at the Warehouse last year, there were 100 turkey dinners served and this year, 2006, they had 150 grateful guests. These were street people and those who are existing in rooms in one of Toronto’s poorest neighborhoods. Can you imagine the difference Christmas at the Warehouse made?
On September 2005, Ron’s goal was to raise $139,000 for his BIG DREAM. Today Linda has taken a step in Faith, given her notice, and will be full time at The Warehouse on February 1st. Their plans include an Addiction Program and programs for women and teens. It’s exciting!
For Ron to make his commitment for full time, we need about another $39,000. Ideally, this could be in the form of pledges of as little as $10.00 a month for one year.
If you would be interested in helping, financially or in any other way, you can reach Linda Farr at 647-228-3472 or mail: Linda.Farr@sympatico.ca
Call Linda and ask her what you can do to help…..you won’t be sorry!
Or, call me, Doreen Baran, at 416-487-0827 or mail: doreen@doreenbaran.com .
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