News from the Fundraising Office

“ … and to pray and work for peace, justice, unity and the integrity of creation.” (from the Rule of Life of the Sisterhood of St. John the Divine)

As Sisters, we believe that God has called us to an extraordinary ministry of prayer, outreach, hospitality, compassion and education, all within the context of living a vowed life in Community. We have included a project for a Solar– Alternative Energy Project, which we believe is consistent with our commitment to the spirituality of eco-sustainability.

SOLAR—ALTERNATIVE ENERGY PROJECT

An integral part of our life, which is shaped by gospel values, is a reverence for the whole creation. We work together to try to create a lifestyle committed to simplicity, one that respects life, each other and the earth as a sacred gift. In little steps we have tried to walk in a direction that honours our partnership with creation and our call to stewardship, by encouraging lifestyle changes and reducing our footprint on the earth. In our commitment to the spirituality of eco-sustainability, we have agreed to go forward and install solar panels.

Our decision has come after careful discussion—a desire to create a more energy efficient Convent, a concern about ecological issues, a longing to do more to protect the earth and find ways to contribute towards a more sustainable future. Ontario’s Feed In Tariff (FIT) program for renewable energy generation is a cornerstone of the province’s Green Energy Act. The provincial government launched the program in September of 2009, and the Ontario Power Authority started accepting applications in October of 2009. After a review, in March 2012 the Ontario government renewed its commitment to a clean energy economy. It is North America’s first comprehensive feed-in tariff program for renewable energy.

The demand for electricity in the Province, and particularly in Greater Toronto, continues to tax the current capacity to provide the electricity needed. Electricity produced by coal plants contributing to pollution and nuclear power stations badly in need of repair and upgrading continue to be a concern for many of us. The Ontario government’s long-term energy plan in moving the province to clean sources of power, like the MicroFit program, has given us an opportunity to participate and give back something towards a more sustainable lifestyle.

SOLAR—ALTERNATIVE ENERGY PROJECT: THE COST Company engaged to do the work: Eco Alternative Energy – to install and provide a contract for a Solar Grid System designed for the OPA Feed-in Tariff Program

The cost of the proposed system will be $61,675.15 ($54,579.78 + HST of $7,095.37) Toronto Hydro New Meter Charge $ 2,500 Total Cost $64,175.15

OUR CHALLENGES AND GOALS

As you have already read in our Narrative Budget 2013, to sustain our goals and meet our budget in recent years, we have had to take more from our Founders Fund than it earns. This is partly the result of increased expenses and an unfavourable investment environment. And you will have noted the GAP of $100,000. Notwithstanding these challenges, the opportunity offered by the Ontario government by the

renewal of their commitment to continue the Solar MicroFit program at this time was an opportunity that we believed important to grasp. Not only is it an investment in eco-sustainability, it is also a cost saving investment in our electricity bill. Consistent with our commitment to the spirituality of eco-sustainability, the time seemed right to take the risk and go forward, confident that in doing so we would find support for our decision.

Our neighbours Willowdale Manor and their solar project!