This campaign is a matter of both necessity and opportunity – the replacement of our aging chair lift. The current lift has served our community faithfully for many years, providing essential access to the Sanctuary, offices, the Parlour and lower level classrooms and Tape Hall for members and visitors with mobility challenges.

Unfortunately, the chair lift has been experiencing increasing mechanical issues, frequent breakdowns and repairs. In August 2024, the lift broke down and was inoperable.  The lift has remained inoperable and this has significantly impacted the accessibility of the church. This has prevented some of our cherished members and friends from fully participating in worship, fellowship, and other vital aspects of our church life. In particular, this impacted the In From the Cold program over the last year. This situation is not in keeping with our commitment to being a welcoming and inclusive community for all.

After careful consideration and professional assessment, it has become clear that replacing the existing chair lift is the most practical and sustainable solution. A new, modern lift will offer greater reliability, enhanced safety features, and ensure consistent accessibility for everyone who wishes to join us.

The estimated cost for the new chair lift, including installation, is approximately $100,000 and we are proceeding with this work and expect a new lift to be in place by Thanksgiving.

This expenditure was included in the budget for 2025, however Parkdale is facing a significant deficit for 2025 and therefore, we are reaching out to you today with a heartfelt appeal for your generous support. We believe that by working together, as the body of Christ, we can ensure that our church remains accessible and welcoming to all, regardless of their physical abilities.

All contributions designated for the chair lift replacement will be used solely for this purpose. We are committed to transparency and will provide updates on our progress towards our fundraising goal. Tax receipts for contributions to this fundraising effort will also be provided.

Please prayerfully consider how you can participate in this vital project. Your generosity will not only help us replace a piece of equipment but will also send a powerful message of love, inclusion, and belonging to our entire church family and the wider community.

Thank you for your prayerful consideration and your unwavering support of Parkdale United Church. We are deeply grateful for your partnership in ministry.