BFO Knights go "Out of the Cold"
February 13 2026 – Wideman Mennonite Church, Markham, Ontario.

A group of Knights from the Blessed Frederic Ozanam Council 17065 visited the Wideman Mennonite Church on Markham Road to present the Council's donation in support of the Blue Door/ Mosaic Interfaith Out of the Cold program at this location. The program provides seasonal emergency housing for youths, adults and seniors experiencing homelessness in York Region.

A brief tour of the church opened our eyes to the reality that homelessness is present everywhere, even here in our own City of Markham. About thirty people of all ages were in the church basement; they were provided with temporary accommodation, beds and meals. It had a familial environment, much more so with the aroma of pasta sauce cooking in the kitchen. This program at the church runs from October to June, but it is a year-round program for the Mennonite churches in the area. Needless to say the need for support is also year round.

To this end, Council presented a cheque donation for $3,300.00 to Sheryl and Bob Wideman, and Pastor Taucha Inrig. Presenting the donation on behalf of the council were GK Patrick Bisera and SK Eardley Adams. The council also brought winter coats from the Coats for Kids program for the church to distribute among its guests. Also present during the cheque presentation and turnover ceremony were SK Ed Wijangco, SK Derrick Pinto and SK Schubert Restituto.