The Centretown Churches Social Action Committee held its annual “Walk for the Centre” event on October 5, and with a thoroughly ecumenical group of participants raised $40,000 to help address food insecurity in the heart of the nation’s capital. All proceeds support the Centretown Community Food Centre, a food bank operated by the Committee at 370 Catherine Street.
Holy Canadian Martyrs Parish at 100 Main Street welcomed participants at the start of the walk with musical entertainment and snacks. Following opening ceremonies, the scenic walk took off along the Rideau Canal, with pipers leading the way. Participants had a choice of a two- or a four-kilometre walk. In both cases, it was an opportunity for churches to raise awareness of food insecurity in Ottawa’s downtown core — an area with an abundance of natural and architectural beauty, but also with poverty that can sometimes go unseen. Ottawa Public Health estimates reveal that one out of seven Ottawa households struggle with food insecurity.
This year’s walkathon was the tenth annual initiative organized by the Centretown Churches Social Action Committee. A total of 22 local Christian church communities support the initiative, including Anglican, Baptist, Catholic, Lutheran, Presbyterian and United Church congregations. The Centretown Churches Social Action Committee was established in 1967 by nine churches, all committed to living the Social Gospel and to helping alleviate poverty in the downtown. Member churches also participate in the International Day for the Eradication of Poverty and have advocated for just, liveable wages in Ontario.
While the effort brings together many different denominations, there’s one Scripture verse in particular that speaks to all of them equally and is at the heart of Jesus’ teachings. That verse is from Matthew 25: “For I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you welcomed me, I was naked and you gave me clothing, I was sick and you took care of me, I was in prison and you visited me.”
For over half a century, this group of Christians have translated their faith into concrete, grassroots action in the most exemplary way.
(Featured photo source: Holy Canadian Martyrs Parish Facebook page.)
Born in Montreal, Christopher Adam has called Ottawa home for the past twenty years. He received his MA from Carleton University, with a thesis focusing on twentieth century European church history, and a PhD in History from the University of Ottawa. Over the years, he has published widely and works in the faith-based charitable sector in Ottawa.
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