TOOLS Frequently Asked QuestionsToronto Ontario Opportunities for Learning and Service
What will we do on a TOOLS program?During a TOOLS experience, groups connect with various organizations that address issues of poverty, homelessness and other issues. When groups first arrive they will be led through an orientation to the program, and some basic things like the transportation system in Toronto . The group will volunteer with different organizations and will also participate in a street walk with a fellow who shares the realities of street life, his experience on the street, and how we as Christians can respond in meaningful ways. MCC Ontario staff will organize service placements, facilitate the experience and suggest additional activities that groups can participate in.
Each TOOLS visit is slightly different depending on the organizations we work with. Here is a sample weekend schedule. A week schedule would include visits to more organizations, additional program activities and free time to sightsee and relax.
Friday 7:00pm - arrive and settle in at Danforth Mennonite Church 7:30-8:30pm – orientation and bible study 8:30 -11pm – free time and getting ready for bed Saturday 8:15am – leave for Scott Mission (group will have already had breakfast) 9:00am – 12:30pm – volunteer at Scott Mission (eat bagged lunch) 1:30pm-5:30pm – Street Walk at Sanctuary 6:00pm – return to the church for debrief and dinner 7:30pm – free time
Sunday 9:15am – leave for Good Shepherd (group will have cleaned and packed) 10:00am – 2:00pm – volunteer at Good Shepherd (lunch provided) 2:00pm – 4:00pm – travel back to church, debrief and closing bible study 4:00pm – group departs for home
We partner with a number of different organizations and participants will be doing a number of different things such as preparing and serving food at a mission, sorting cloths at a thrift store, folding laundry and making beds at a shelter, painting and cleaning at a mission, and playing with children in a daycare. We ask that groups are flexible and open to help in whatever way the organizations require. Participants are expected to take part in all activities unless they are ill or are uncomfortable with what is asked of them.
Who has to fill out the medical form?Everyone attending the TOOLS program must fill out the medical form. All youth under 18 years of age must have a parent or guardians sign their form. All medical forms are due when the group arrives in Toronto . These are for emergency purposes. All information will be kept confidential.
When can groups come on the TOOLS program? How long do we come?The program is open year round, welcoming groups for weekends or up to 5-day sessions. Weekend groups normally arrive in Toronto on Friday evening and depart Sunday afternoon. For longer sessions, groups usually arrive on Sunday, late in the afternoon or early evening, stay up to 5 nights, and return home by Friday afternoon depending on travel distance etc.
Who can participate in TOOLS? How many people can come at one time?TOOLS is open to anyone age 14 and up. We welcome groups ranging in size from 8-25. We ask that youth groups provide sponsors at a ratio of 1 sponsor for every 4 youth.
How much does TOOLS cost?The cost per participant is $100 dollars for the first 2 days and $35 for each additional day. For instance, if a group arrived on a Sunday evening and left on Friday afternoon the cost per person would be $205. This cost includes transportation within Toronto , program costs and accommodation. This fee does not cover food and transportation to Toronto . Cheques can be made out to MCC TOOLS.
How far ahead should groups book a TOOLS trip?Groups should book at least 3 months ahead in order that we give partners sufficient time to prepare for your arrival. A sponsor should return the application form along with a $250 deposit, which secures your booking. This deposit is an advance of the group cost, not an extra fee. Half of the total cost should be sent in 2 months before the trip, with the remainder being paid upon arrival. We will do our best to work with the dates that your group prefers, though we need to take into account the needs and availability of partner organizations as well.
Where will we stay while on TOOLS?All TOOLS groups stay at Danforth Mennonite Church for the duration of the program. The church is very supportive of TOOLS and has been kind enough to open it's facility to groups. The church is located right along the subway line which provides easy access to downtown. The church has a well equipped kitchen where groups can prepare meals and store food. Groups may bring their own food, but there are grocery stores very close to the church. The church has three washrooms and one shower. We suggest that large groups make up some sort of schedule and take short showers. In terms of sleeping arrangements participants will be sleeping on the carpeted floor. The church does have 5 or 6 foam pads but we suggest that all participants bring a camping pad or foam mat to have a more comfortable sleep. Groups are given keys to the church and must respect that it is a shared facility.
How safe are the areas we will be visiting?Relative to other large urban areas, Toronto is a safe city. But there are risks involved when groups leave their home communities. Ultimately the group leaders and chaperones are responsible for the group's safety, but anytime a TOOLS group participates in the program our first priority is the safety of all involved. We have a close relationship with the shelters, soup kitchens, and organizations that we partner with and trained staff are always on hand to respond to any potential safety concern, though this has never been an issue with TOOLS groups participating over the last 15 years. We will only be taking you to well traveled areas of the city. We travel to and from volunteer placements as a group and do most of our work during the day in groups. The area around the church is safe but groups should always be aware of their surroundings and exercise caution at night. We ask that during free time youth are accompanied by a sponsor and travel in groups no smaller than three.
Are we responsible for all of our meals?Generally groups are responsible for all their meals but depending on the schedule we may be provided with lunch at a shelter. Groups always have breakfast at the church. Lunch is usually at a shelter or a bag lunch and dinner is often at the church. The group is free to go out for dinner. You will find out about your specific itinerary close to the groups arrival. Toronto has fantastic food from around the world and we encourage groups to eat out once or twice to try some of the delicious food.
Is there parking at the church? How will the group get around Toronto?There is an inexpensive parking lot on Cedarvale near the church where groups can leave their vehicles. Throughout the program we will be traveling on the TTC by subway, bus and streetcar. Parking and navigation in the city can be challenging and the public transit system offers groups an inside look at life in a busy urban centre. TOOLS pays for the program transportation costs.
What does the MCC Facilitator do?The facilitator guides and accompanies you throughout the TOOLS experience. The facilitator will meet you at Danforth and help get you settled in and prepared for the TOOLS program. They will lead your group through orientation and closing sessions, bible reflections and debriefs, help guide you on the transit system and be with you at the volunteer sites (though there are times when the facilitator will be away from the group – after the group arrives at a site, overnight etc...). The facilitator can give you suggestions for free time activities and things to see while in the city (but they are not a tour guide so please research and have some ideas for free time activities before you arrive). Groups are responsible for their own morning and evening devotionals, many groups appoint youth to lead these sessions.
As a sponsor what am I responsible for?Throughout the TOOLS experience you are responsible for the general well being of the group. The participants will be learning about tough issues and sponsors need to help them process the experience. Sponsors organize meals, devotional and worship time, and any sightseeing or additional activities. The sponsors are also responsible for disciplining the group and ensuring that they are ready to go on time each day.
What do we need to bring with us?Each participant should bring the following:
Summer groups should also bring:
Winter groups should also bring:
Can I bring a camera or camcorder?Yes, feel free to bring a camera or camcorder, but we will discuss when it is appropriate to use it once you arrive.
Can sponsors bring small children or babies on TOOLS?Yes, you can bring small children or babies on TOOLS, but they are not permitted at all of the places we will be volunteering. If you will be bringing a child please ensure that someone can stay behind to care for the child while the group is at a work placement.
What happens if there is a change in the number of participants coming?If this occurs let the co-coordinator know as soon as possible and we will try to work something out.
What is the address and telephone number for Danforth Mennonite Church?The church is 2174 Danforth Ave., Toronto, ON.
How do we get to Danforth Mennonite Church from the Kitchener-Waterloo Area?From Kitchener , take the 401 East until the 427. Follow signs for the 427, and then take it south. You will be on the 427 for a few miles, and then take the Gardiner expressway East towards Downtown. The Gardiner Expressway will end once you pass through the city center. You will have two options at this point (DVP north, or Lake Shore blvd). Stay right and take Lake Shore . This will turn into Woodbine Ave and take you north. Take Woodbine Ave. until you reach Danforth Ave. Turn right onto Danforth. The church will be on your left (the north side of the street), just after you pass Cedarvale (the first street on your left).
Where is Danforth Mennonite Church in Toronto?The following link will allow you to plug in your address and then give you directions to Danforth Mennonite Church on from Map Quest: |
|
|
