Glebe-St. James: Reconciliation in Action

Photo: Marisa Romano

Glebe-St. James United Church is a congregation in Ottawa, Ontario that is affirming and welcoming of people from all identities and backgrounds.

In 2023, a group in the congregation heard about One Plane Away and began collecting clothing to send to moms and babies in Nunavut. In the words of member Marsha Hay-Snyder:

When the Women’s Intergenerational Group (WIG) heard about OPA, the story resonated. Many of us are grandparents and intimately aware of the pleasures and costs of having a small child in the family, and how often the new baby is inundated with clothing that is outgrown before it is worn. (. . .) We were looking for a project that we could sustain over time. We were also looking for a way to make an ongoing connection with an Indigenous community to help us on our educational journey towards Reconciliation. (Good News in the Glebe, March 2024)

Since beginning its partnership with One Plane Away, the Glebe-St. James WIG group has sent over 19 boxes of baby clothing and blankets, and has inspired other community groups to donate items. The congregation sent a cheque of $2,000 to One Plane Away “so that they can purchase heavy and larger items.”

One Plane Away has received many valuable items from Glebe-St. James, including “cozy sleepers, warm rompers, cold-defeating blankets, snowsuits, hats, mittens and boots, alongside adorable outfits for boys and girls.” (Marisa Romano, Glebe Report, March 2024). The congregation continues to appeal to its members for donations of items and financial contributions. We are grateful to have Glebe-St. James as a partner in our ongoing work to support Nunavut moms and babies.