THUNDER BAY -- The leaders of a Thunder Bay street ministry that feeds and shelters the homeless were caught completely off guard by the generosity of an anonymous donor.
Gary Macsemchuk, pastor at Grace Place, says when he learned of the $174 thousand gift, "It was an overwhelming feeling. It brought tears to my eyes. It was hard to believe that this could happen."
He said he's grateful to Bonnie Moore, executive director at the Thunder Bay Community Foundation, who facilitated the donation.
The contribution will allow the Simpson Street facility to completely pay off its mortgage.
Macsemchuk said the monthly mortgage payment of $1,200 can now be applied to operating expenses and the services that Grace Place provides.
The mission's recent Coldest Night of the Year fundraiser brought in about $60,000. Instead of directing that to the mortgage, the money will be used for needed renovations.
Grace Place has been in operation for ten years. It provides about 50,000 meals a year to its clients, and this winter opened an overnight emergency shelter for up to a dozen people.
According to Macsemchuk, the shelter fills a void because it accommodates people who are barred from other facilities.
"Probably behaviour-based. They are the 'hard' individuals...at Grace Place it seems to be a better fit because there are only ten people and we have two staff people at all times," Macsemchuk said.
His spouse and co-pastor, Melody Macsemchuk, announced the mortgage was paid off to a group gathered at the mission on Tuesday afternoon.
