Faithful Supporters of HDCH,
Thank you for your love and generosity!
We know that, like the Macedonian Christians about whom Paul wrote, you have given yourselves “first of all to the Lord, and then by the will of God also to us” 2 Cor 8:5.
To us and to other Christian ministries, you have given as much as you were able, and I know, in some cases, even beyond your ability (v3). Thank you for the way in which your love and gratitude to the Lord, despite personal trials some of you have experienced, has welled up in rich generosity (v1) toward the work of the Lord in this and other fields.
We are grateful to be working in this field, this corner of God’s Kingdom, and grateful for you who have come alongside us to support the work.
This Impact Report is full of numbers telling a story of God’s faithfulness as we seek to serve Him in this place. But in God’s Kingdom, impact is not necessarily measured in numbers or in things seen.
Not everything that counts can be counted.
At HDCH, we are in the business of planting seeds and watering them, and, while no-one sees, God makes them grow (1 Cor 3:6). At HDCH, we are in the business of laying foundations. Jesus spoke of our foundations being laid on the rock when we hear His words and put them into practice (Mt 7:24). Foundations are beneath the surface, not necessarily visible, and the two houses in His parable may
have looked no different from the outside, but their unseen foundations were what made the difference. At HDCH we are laying foundations on the rock, teaching our children not just to hear His words, but also to put them into practice.
We cannot always see or measure the impact of the work we do at HDCH, but we trust that, as we co-labour with the Holy Spirit, He is cultivating in them His fruit, He is cultivating Christ-like character, and calling them into a life of service to God.
It is so encouraging when we hear testimonies from students who have experienced God’s call and laid their life at His feet, who are excited about Jesus, and excited about a life walking with and serving Him. We can’t measure this: the joy of seeing our children walking in the truth (3 Jn 4) is immeasurable.
Thank you for participating with us by your generous giving to the Lord’s work at HDCH. I pray that God will give you opportunities to witness the impact of what you have given, to hear testimonies of young people growing in the Lord, of finding their calling, identity and purpose in Him. May you know that lives have been changed through what you have given. Thank you!
Duncan Todd, Principal
“And now, brothers and sisters, we want you to know about the grace that God has given the Macedonian churches.
In the midst of a very severe trial, their overflowing joy and their extreme poverty welled up in rich generosity.
For I testify that they gave as much as they were able, and even beyond their ability.
Entirely on their own, they urgently pleaded with us for the privilege of sharing in this service to the Lord’s people. And they exceeded our expectations: they gave themselves first of all to the Lord, and then by the will of God also to us.”
2 Corinthians 8:1-5 NIV
Our vision is to be a faithful presence
HDCH students make a positive impact serving in co-op placements
“I was pleasantly surprised at how effectively our co-op student could work with minimal supervision. She really took responsibility and accomplished so much!”
~2023 Co-op employer testimonial
Students in the Christians In Society Class were a faithful presence at the Christian Gleaners. The class raised funds and purchased bags of lentils. The donated lentils were combined with other donated vegetables to make dry packages. The students volunteered on the assembly line and participated in the process of preserving food to help feed those in need in developing countries around the world. In one day, up to 10,000 pounds of donated fresh produce was trimmed, diced in a dicing machine, dried, mixed and packaged, producing up to 40,000 meals!
A Personal Device Management Procedure was adopted.
Our deep hope regarding cell phones and personal devices in schools is to equip students with the ability to discern and manage the positive and negative impacts of digital technology wisely.
Simultaneously, we hope to foster habits that enable them to engage in healthy, Christ-like relationships. This includes being present with teachers and peers in ways that empower them to establish meaningful face-to-face connections both in their learning and social interactions at school.
in the communities we serve
HDCH-EduDeo Co-Impact Mission Trip, March 2024
La Esperanza Reformed Christian School Basketball Court Project (Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic) 10 students, chaperoned by Mr. Todd and his lovely wife, Margarita, worked incredibly hard, sweated buckets and had tons of fun while making many new friends.
• pick-axed and dug out about 300m of hard ground in scorching temperatures of 32°C.
• carted away seemingly endless tons of ground and rubble in wheelbarrows
• shovelled and levelled two truckloads of sand
• helped a Haitian crew with a stamping machine to stamp down the sand base and lay wire grids to prepare for concrete-pouring
• learned fantastic, athletic group dances along with the Dominican students
• watched cement trucks pour the concrete
• enjoyed a celebration farewell dinner and danced with La Esperanza staff on the completed outdoor basketball court!
Measuring Impact 2023-24
Your Impact a glance
FACILITIES UPDATES
Updated Washrooms in the lobby and second floor
A major washroom renovation was coordinated over the summer of 2024. The project had been more than a decade in the waiting: we are glad to have these clean, new, up to date washrooms at last!
Previously there were not accessible washrooms, nor a men’s washroom for staff on the upper level.
This was the first major maintenance renovation project to be covered by the Capital Reserve Fund.
More than 3500 square feet of tile was laid on the walls and floors. As a result of service issues, the elevator was unavailable during the construction project. All of the construction materials needed to be carried to the second floor by the hardworking Schilthuis Construction crew!
3500 Sq. feet oor and wall tile laid
10 student employees on the custodial crew
Accessibility Improvements
Student Youth Accessibility Leaders create disability awareness at HDCH. With support from staff, they advocate by identifying needs, applying for grants and promoting inclusion.
• Accessible automated doors were added to the gym, music room, accessible main floor washroom and the soccer field entrance.
• In the accessible main floor washroom, emergency response lighting was installed.
• Three more accessible washrooms were added to our facility.
• Accessible parking spaces are clearly identified with newly-painted, more inclusive, active accessible parking logos.
Solar Update
Installed on the updated HDCH roof are 448 solar panels at 555 watts each. That’s 248.64 Kw direct current! Additional work is in process with the Electrical Safety Authority and Hydro One.
448 solar panels
The project was inspired by the HDCH Board of 2020 who set us on the path of energy efficiency and conservation as we CARE for God’s creation. We look forward to the day when we can harness the sun’s power to help with our electricity!
FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS 2023-24
Transformational Gift for the CARE Campaign
New Street CRC has supported HDCH in so many ways since their opening in 1956.
Upon ending their ministry and selling their property, the church selected HDCH to receive some of the proceeds from the sale - the $500,000 contribution was a tremendous boost to the CARE Campaign.
CARE Campaign donors have given $2.6million, with $475K to go!
Duncan Todd Sandra Baker Principal Director of
John Glasbergen presents Duncan Todd with a CARE gift.