Giving back is part of our Internship Program

Aaron Seyler: Flemingdon Park

Flemingdon Park Ministry provides social, material, and spiritual support to individuals and families who reside in Toronto’s Flemingdon Park – a diverse and multi-cultural neighbourhood that is one of the city’s most densely-populated and impoverished communities. Some 34% of residents live below the poverty line and many have little or no access to support programs and services. The Ministry helps abused and abandoned women, marginalized individuals, new immigrants and at-risk youth. The Ministry also operates in conjunction with the Flemingdon Park Food Bank and serves over 1,000 individuals and families each month.

I was privileged to be placed with this Anglican Ministry as part of my Business Intern Program at Ecclesiastical. My role included providing day-to-day administrative support and helping to organize the Ministry’s database and IT resources. I also had the opportunity to contribute to the ministry’s STAR program – a one-on-one mentoring program that teaches new Canadians to advocate for themselves and to access key settlement resources.

I was greatly inspired by the work of the Ministry and its volunteers.  During my placement I had the opportunity to reflect on the broader meaning of corporate leadership and the importance of giving back. It was an invaluable experience.