The Archdiocese of Toronto’s 2025 ShareLife parish charitable appeal soared past the previous year’s record amount by more than $1.2 million, thanks to 128 parish communities exceeding their suggested goal.

For the first time ever, the campaign eclipsed the $15-million benchmark en route to an eye-popping $15,671,786 sum on behalf of over 40 social service agencies in the Greater Toronto Area. A target of $14.5 million was set after the 2024 fundraising drive accrued $14,433,674.

Arthur Peters, ShareLife’s executive director and the archdiocesan director of development, said “we’re very blessed that the Catholic community in the Archdiocese of Toronto makes ShareLife a priority and wants to ensure the campaign is successful to help the agencies that are providing services with Catholic values.”

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Once again, a mystery patron played an instrumental role in helping this philanthropic endeavour reach new heights by matching up to $500,000 in donations.

Peters said the $800,000 in food grants that ShareLife, Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of Toronto and two anonymous donors bestowed on 30 parishes and organizations that provide meals, groceries and outreach to people in need also inspired Toronto congregants to give generously.

“Parishioners fully understand the need right now of helping people to get this basic necessity of life,” he said.

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Indeed, the need is immense. According to the Daily Bread Food Bank, there were 4.1 million food bank visits in Toronto from April 1, 2024, to March 31, 2025.

One organization that was bequeathed a food grant is Silent Voice Canada, an agency for the deaf and hard of hearing. If a food bank does not have a staff member equipped to communicate in sign language, it is a struggle for a deaf persosn to have their needs met. The money ensures there is an advocate present on their behalf.

In addition to aiding the deaf and food-based programs, ShareLife money also supports individuals and families experiencing trauma, seniors, young parents, children and youth, international humanitarian development and vocations.

Peters credits his staff for effectively communicating the story of ShareLife’s work through direct mail, e-blasts and social media. Member agencies aid the team’s efforts by sharing success stories that could translate into compelling video features.

“You can hear about an organization like Silent Voice, St. Michael's Homes or one of our Catholic Family Service agencies, but what do they do? The stories bring their work to life. We share them to help our donors understand the impact that they're making through their contributions,” said Peters.

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Now with the 49th year in the books, the ShareLife team is preparing to gear up for the 50th anniversary campaign in the weeks to come. Campaign posters and brochures will speak to the half-century legacy of the charitable arm of the archdiocese. Parishes will be encouraged to show a special ShareLife video during the March 21 and 22 liturgical services. Information about the three parish collection dates will be announced in the coming days.

To learn more about the record-breaking 2025 success and the 2026 campaign to come, visit sharelife.org.