Some NSUC Social Justice Initiatives
Our church has ongoing and one-off relationships with many worthy organizations, both at home and abroad. Our involvement with these groups changes over time, depending on the passions of individuals in our congregation.
Our efforts include fund-raising, working on non-profit boards, and hosting special events. Many of our members volunteer directly with the organizations we support.
Just some of the many organizations we help include the following.
Child Haven International
Child Haven International assists children and women 
overseas who are in need of food, education, health care, shelter and clothing, emotional and moral support. It evolved out of a passion to help others on the part of Canadian Unitarians, Rev. Fred and Bonnie Cappuccino. Child Haven operates several home in southeast Asia. India, Nepal, Tibet and Bangladesh. Their homes accept children who are disabled, parentless or from disadvantaged situations. For more information, contact NSUC member Merrick Walsh at merrick.walsh@gmail.com.
Bonnie Cappuccino and friend.
Queen Mary School
For the past ten years NSUC has supported Queen
Mary Community School in the Lower Lonsdale area as one of its outreach projects. This school has students from diverse backgrounds, and is challenged beyond its resources on a daily basis. It needs a highly enriched program to build a foundation of language and experience within the Canadian culture. Our support helps the school create a welcoming environment that is able to meet the needs of its students and families. For more information contact Peggy Sloan at sloanpeg@hotmail.com.
Creative Peace Network
A member of our congregation, Ira Jordison, recently took part in Peace it Together, a three-week camp involving Israeli, Canadian and Palestinian teenagers. His participation evolved into a successful NSUC event to support the Creative Peace Network,sponsors of the camp. Participants viewed films produced by the Peace It Together teenagers. The docudramas demonstrated that enemies can become friends, and that world conflicts can be overcome, one relationship at a time. For information contact Marion Goddard at 604-921-9211 or mariangoddard@hotmail.com.
Cottage Farm Centre for Mental Health
Several NSUC members are on the developmental board of the Cottage Farm Centre for Mental Health. Their mission is to create a caring farm-like residential therapeutic community for the mentally ill. At Cottage Farm, residents will live and work alongside healthcare professionals and volunteers. Innovative therapies combined with meaningful work will help them heal and reintegrate into mainstream society. For more information, contact NSUC’s music director, Alison Nixon at 604-904-0120 or alisonnixon@hotmail.com.
