As ShareLife celebrates 50 years, the Archdiocese of Toronto’s charitable fundraising arm is honouring its storied past while ensuring its mission of "faith in action" continues to meet growing community needs.

Launched at the beginning of Lent, the milestone year is targeting $15.2 million as its goal for its 2026 Parish Campaign, with funds going to support the more than 40 social service agencies in the Greater Toronto Area that aid families, newcomers, seniors, youth, vocations, young parents and more.

This year’s goal sits just below ShareLife’s record breaking $15.67 million raised through its 2025 Parish Campaign, which smashed through the initial target of $14.5 million. 

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One of the ways ShareLife is hoping to strike near its unparalleled campaign last year is through “$50 for 50 Years,” a matching gift initiative that will amplify the generosity of one anonymous donor this anniversary year. 

“ We had one very generous donor come forward and offer to support us with a $50,000 contribution, which allows anybody who makes a gift on March 19 to have their donation in increments of 50, matched up to $50,000,” said Arthur Peters, executive director of ShareLife. 

March 19 holds a specific significance. It's the anniversary of the day in 1976 when then-Toronto Archbishop Philip Pocock delivered his Declaration on Behalf of Life statement — calling upon the Catholic community to uphold the dignity of every human person and removing the archdiocese from the United Community Fund of Toronto (United Way). Pocock made "a decision of conscience" in removing the archdiocese as the fund — which the archdiocese had long supported — had recently admitted an organization that advocated and supported abortin counselling and referrals.

With Pocock's move, ShareLife was born. 

For Peters, that day’s statement still holds the utmost importance, as the organization continues to pride itself on the mission and vision of Pocock decades later. 

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“ It's a significant milestone for us, and when I mentioned that it marks  50 years since the archbishop made his declaration in the speech I am giving to parishes, a lady came up to me after and said she remembers what he did then. For some people, it rings with them, and they are pleased to see (Pocock) on the posters and as part of the face for these celebrations,” he said. 

It’s a twofold importance seen in this year’s 50th anniversary, allowing ShareLife to connect with both long-time supporters while providing the vital opportunity to educate younger generations on the history of service ShareLife has driven forward over recent decades. 

“ That is another thing we’re looking at this year, taking advantage of the chance that people may only see us as a collection, but they may not be aware that this is more than that. It is actually the Catholic Church standing up for its beliefs,” Peters said. 

A special 50th anniversary video featuring Cardinal Frank Leo is set to premiere on March 19 as well. 

Meanwhile, ShareLife has begun sharing its own series of short video reflections from people who remember the 1976 declaration, with Bishop Robert Kasun and former priests who helped  establish Mary Center and Silent Voice, respectively, providing their thoughts on the decision on behalf of life that would lead to the founding of ShareLife.

As initiatives continue to develop throughout the year, 2026’s campaign cements itself further as a year of reflection and celebration that honours the legacy born from Pocock's stand in 1976. 

Yet this milestone is far from retrospective alone. The celebrations only further the call to ongoing action, inviting faithful from across the archdiocese to build on 50 years of proven mission by meeting today's challenges with the same compassion that started it all.

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“ Archbishop Pocock was so sure of his position that he said in his statement, 'I am prepared to take on the responsibility of sustaining the services of Catholic Charities to the community,' and today, we still do that,” Peters said in an anniversary video message.

“This work continues because we've answered the call with faith, with love and with action, and as we mark 50 years of ShareLife, we remember that this is our story. As a Catholic community, this is who we are. Thank you for being part of it, living the Gospel, and we look forward to sharing 50 years of success of the ShareLife campaign with you.”