Executive director Arthur Peters says he thinks this year’s target is within range.

“In the past, even in difficult economic times, people have been very generous,” said Peters. “We are optimistic that the Catholic community will continue to support us.”         

In October, ShareLife committed to raising an additional $300,000 for its sponsored agencies. It is now reaching out to more than 220 parishes throughout the archdiocese, calling for Catholics to make a contribution.

ShareLife has grown substantially since it began in 1976 and now provides funding to 33 community agencies and 10 grant recipients.   

With the majority of its agencies providing services to all members of the community, regardless of religious affiliation, Peters said Catholicism is not a criterion for those receiving help. He said it’s a way for the Catholic Church to reach out and evangelize the entire community.  

The theme propelling the 2009 campaign is one of hope and encouragement: You can work wonders. The message is simple — every donation makes a difference.

“The idea is that wonderful things are happening through the work of our agencies every single day,” Peters said. “By supporting the campaign, people really can work wonders.”

For some of ShareLife’s sponsored agencies, the funding they receive from parishioner donations is critical to their survival.  

Last year the Catholic Family Services of Toronto — a non-profit organization that provides family counselling — received more than $1.5 million from ShareLife. Clint Tyler, branch director for the organization’s downtown office, said the charity would simply not exist without funding from the ShareLife campaign.

“We don’t refuse services to anyone, even if they can’t pay,” he said. “The funding from ShareLife really helps subsidize the cost of our operations.”

Josie Dorego, director of development for Covenant House Toronto , said ShareLife has been a key supporter for more than 20 years, and is the charity’s largest donor.

While the ShareLife campaign runs until the end of July, there are designated collection dates for parish contributions. March 28-29 is the first official weekend of the campaign, and Peters said he expects a strong start. May 2-3 is the next collection weekend, followed by June 6-7.  

Peters, who has been with ShareLife for four years, said he is proud to be part of such a good cause.

 “I think the opportunity we have to support our brothers and sisters through Christ — in our community and around the world — is an incredible thing.”