My name is Matthew Emery, and I am a student at Western University.

And every week this June, I am running 11.1km from my front door to Good Shepherd Ministries on Queen Street West. Five runs totaling 55.5km. My goal is to raise $2,000, enough to make a real dent in what Good Shepherd needs most right now. I wanted the distance to mean something, so I picked the route that ends at the people I am trying to help.

My connection to Good Shepherd goes back further than this run.

In 2014, my family started making bagged lunches for people in need. My mom, dad, sister, and I, along with a few friends, would make 75 to 100 bagged lunches and drop them off at community shelters across Toronto, including Good Shepherd. Doing that for many years showed me how much this community needs consistent support, and Good Shepherd has been at the center of that.

About The Good Shepherd: “The Good Shepherd” is well known on the streets of Toronto. For some, it’s a place to get a hot meal, clean clothes, and a safe, clean bed for the night; for others, it’s a place to go when you need someone to listen, someone to help. Regardless of the reason people seek help, every person is treated with care and respect. For all of us, Good Shepherd is a place that promotes human dignity. A place where the vulnerable, and the homeless– come first!

Earlier this year I contacted Good Shepherd directly and asked what their guests needed most right now. Cindy on their team sent back a specific list: hygiene products, canned food, clothing in sizes that are hard to find donated, and gift cards for Tim Hortons and grocery stores so guests can choose their own meal somewhere warm.

Every dollar raised goes directly toward purchasing items from that list. After delivery I will post a full photo report and receipts so you can see exactly where your money went.

No donation amount is too small. If you can give $25, that covers one gift card. $50 covers a full hygiene kit. $100 covers a bag of clothing basics in the sizes Good Shepherd specifically needs right now.

I will post an update after every run. Follow along, share the page, and if you can, donate. Every dollar moves us closer.

Thank you,

Matthew