Question 1

What is Commitment Sunday on March 27th?

Accepted Answer

Commitment Sunday is the day we hope all outstanding pledge cards will be returned to wrap up the Strong Roots New Season Campaign fundraising within the parish.  On this day, we will tally the full support of the parish in celebration of the Bishop's visit and the official grand opening of this new Season at St Aidans.  Community fundraising may continue outside the parish as well as communication within the parish regarding the execution of the initiatives.

Question 2

Are all parishioners being asked to contribute?

Accepted Answer

Yes. We invite all parishioners to make a proportionate gift (above their weekly offerings) in accordance with their income and as an expression of their faith and commitment to the parish.  If a monetary gift is unrealistic, we are grateful for the gift of your prayers for the success of the campaign.

Question 3

Why are we being asked to consider a five-year pledge?

Accepted Answer

Spreading your contribution over five years can help us to achieve our goals without making this year’s contribution a challenging financial burden. It will also help the parish plan, by giving us an idea of what you may be able to contribute in the years to come.

Question 4

How much should we give?

Accepted Answer

Consider a meaningful and proportionate personal donation above your regular weekly offerings. It should align with your financial ability to give. A Guideline has been provided on the pledge card for your prayerful consideration.

Question 5

Is my campaign pledge different from my regular offering?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Your campaign contribution would be over and above your regular offering as the funds are for two different things and we don’t want parishioners to have to reduce their support for ongoing operations in order to give to the Campaign.  Tax receipts will be provided for all your contributions to St. Aidan’s.

Question 6

Will my donation be kept confidential?

Accepted Answer

Yes. We handle all donations in strictest confidence. Only the Campaign Treasurer and 2-3 appointed volunteers will have access to the pledge amounts.

Question 7

If my financial situation changes, can I alter my pledge?"

Accepted Answer

Yes. Pledges aren’t legally binding, and are only an expression of your intention. You can change your gift at any  time by emailing the Campaign Treasurer at donations@staidansinthebeach.com, or by calling the parish office at 416-691-2222.

Question 8

Are there other ways I can give?

Accepted Answer

Yes. We accept gifts of publicly traded securities (stocks or other marketable securities), annuities, life insurance, and other planned gifts. For more information, email the Campaign Treasurer at donations@staidansinthebeach.com.

Question 9

Why don’t we just use the St. Aidan’s ’s endowment fund to pay for these five initiatives?

Accepted Answer

Currently, our parish relies on the dividend income from the endowment fund to balance our books each year.  Between the final renovation costs, timelines related to grants coming on and off our books, and our intention to grow our relevance in the community, we know that investing the entire endowment fund in these projects wouldn’t be a prudent use of the funds.  That said, if needed, we intend to use a portion of the endowment fund to cover the cost of some of our Strong Roots, New Season Campaign.  See our Campaign Financial breakdown for details (on the homepage).

Question 10

What can I expect from a Campaign Visit?

Accepted Answer

Visits may be virtual or in-person. The Ambassador visiting you will give you a package that provides details on the Strong Roots, New Season Campaign. The Ambassador won’t tell you what you should give, and they won’t ask you for money. Campaign visits are about answering your questions about the Campaign, and they’re also about building community and getting to know each other as parishioners outside of the church setting. Through these visits, we’ll learn more about each other, what we are passionate about supporting, and what impact we’d like to see in our community.

Question 11

Do Ambassadors need to be vaccinated for COVID-19?

Accepted Answer

Yes.  All Ambassadors are required to be vaccinated and to have their vaccination status confirmed by St. Aidan’s Leadership / Wardens prior to any visitations.

Question 12

What if I don’t want anyone to visit me?

Accepted Answer

Campaign Ambassadors will only visit parishioners who agree to it. That said, it is our hope that everyone will want a visit as the goal is to build community between each other as parishioners of St. Aidan’s.  There will be no pressure or discussion of what you should give - only that they will ask for prayerful consideration of support. If you do not wish to receive a visit, email us at donations@staidansinthebeach.com, or let the Ambassador know when they reach out to you to arrange a visit.

Question 13

Where can I drop my pledge card?

Accepted Answer

After putting your pledge card into the confidential envelope, you can either place it through regular mail (after putting a stamp on it), or you can leave it in the mail box on the North-East side of the church (near the old entrance way).

Question 14

How much are we paying our fundraising consultants?

Accepted Answer

Our parish hired M&M International Inc. to support and manage the parish campaign for $18,850.00.  Additionally, Martha Asselin, a Partner at M&M, is providing additional hours weekly, over and above the contract, to support the Campaign Committee with her knowledge and experience free of charge.

Question 15

How do I find out more?

Accepted Answer

Our website (strongrootsnewseason.com) contains extensive information, additionally, you will receive hard copy information during the (likely virtual) visit from our Campaign Ambassadors.  If you have additional questions, please feel free to email us at donations@staidansinthebeach.com.

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