The Sunday service at Metropolitan Community Church erupted in
cheers Jan 9 when Pastor Brent Hawkes announced the largest gift ever received by the
denomination, anywhere in the world.
The $1 million donation came from Margaret and Wallace McCain, who co-founded McCain Foods Limited, an admirer of the progressive church. Martha McCain, the
couple's daughter, represented her family.
McCain says the gift from her family is to ensure MCC
continues to grow in Toronto and transform lives while spreading a positive
message internationally.
She says she has always been attracted to the social justice work done by MCC.
“Mom and Dad are proud, honoured and humbled to commit to
the vision this church has already put forward,” she told Xtra. “We’re just
adding momentum to [Hawkes’s] mission, and my family is happy to do so.”
Hawkes says he's overwhelmed.
“Thank you for the love you have for your daughter and your
amazing gift,” he says.
Where the money will go:
$150,000 – Over three years to build social-justice refugee-support work
$100,000 – For technology such as webcasting
$55,000 – Over three years for vision and outreach planning,
marketing and communications
$180,000 – Over three years to help with senior staffing
$300,000 – To pay off debt, primarily the mortgage
$215,000 – To build reserves for future repairs and
endowments
