R Mark introduced Mary and Ange.
Ange is a Program Coordinator with St. Mary of Egypt Refuge. It is a non-profit organization with about 240 acres north of Madoc where they provide support and community for kids ages 5 to 16.
She provided a little background on herself. She is a refuge, coming to Canada with her family 12 years ago. She found herself in a new country, no extended family or friends, a new culture and language. She found it hard to make adjustments at first. She attended the University of Toronto and now helps with St. Mary of Egypt Refuge, she understands the challenges and hardships of new refuges and immigrants.
Their big program is a camp referred to as OWL in July for kids. On the farm that they purchased about 20 years ago, they have a big house, some cabins and a dining hall. Their big problem always is transportation.
This program is not for rich kids, but for kids in need.
They have a garden where they grow produce used at the camp, as well as they donate to a homeless shelter.
They have Refuge Weekends where they welcome new comers to Canada. They work hard to help people feel welcome.
Most of their funding comes from individuals. They are a grass roots organization that depends on volunteers.
The farm is generally occupied from April to October.
Go to: stmarysrefuge.org
R Mark thanked them for coming and sharing.