Partner Perspective Message: Pastor Matt & Sue Craig

Reflection on Don Valley Bible Chapel’s partnership with Toronto City Mission

Don Valley Bible Chapel has been a cornerstone of this neighbourhood for over 60 years. From the very beginning, our church community has sought to be a blessing to families in this area. Whether through our childcare center—which just celebrated 35 years of operation—or the many children’s programs and summer camps we’ve run throughout the years, we’ve consistently looked for ways to serve families practically and meaningfully.

Our partnership with Toronto City Mission (TCM) is an extension of these efforts. For decades, we’ve worked to support families in need and contribute to the well-being of our community, but this has become more challenging over the years as our community continues to grow and change.   

We have been on staff at Don Valley Bible Chapel for over 20 years. We live in this neighbourhood, and before moving here, Matt attended this church while studying at Seneca College. We’ve been around long enough to see how much our community has changed.  Today, our neighbourhood attracts many immigrant families and international students, creating a vibrant and diverse community. However, with this growth comes challenges.

The cost of food and housing has skyrocketed. Plans for new developments, like the Fairview Mall condominium project, include only 10% affordable housing for middle-income earners, leaving lower-income families priced out. A single income of $22 an hour barely covers housing, utilities, and transportation, leaving only $4 for food. As a result, food banks—meant for temporary emergencies—are now a lifeline for many full-time working families.

When we think of God’s heart for people living in our community we are reminded of the words of Zechariah 7:9-10:

"Thus says the Lord of hosts, Render true judgments, show kindness and mercy to one another, do not oppress the widow, the fatherless, the sojourner, or the poor, and let none of you devise evil against another in your heart."

We want to live in a city where people live like this!

At Don Valley Bible Chapel, we welcome individuals and families from all backgrounds and walks of life. We strive to treat everyone like family because we are convinced that God deeply loves people. We believe He has made a way for us to know Him, to be forgiven of every wrong we’ve done, and to join Him in serving others through faith in Jesus.

Our partnership with TCM helps us to better serve families in our changing neighbourhood, providing high-quality after-school programs and summer camps free of charge—services we wouldn’t be able to offer on our own.  It’s a privilege to work alongside TCM and leaders like Karen and Carlijn to make a difference in the lives of those around us. By linking arms with TCM, we’re able to provide needed support and create opportunities for children and youth to thrive.