If you have questions that this website hasn’t been able to answer, please send us a note. We’ll do our best to respond to your query as soon as possible.

1. How much does it cost to feed a person?

$3.11 is the average cost to feed one person a meal. This includes the cost of the food, and time spent preparing the meal.

2. How many meals do you serve each day? Each year?

On average Mission Services of London (MSL) serves over 600 meals per day. Yearly, MSL serves more than 213,000 meals to those in need.

3. How do I become a Volunteer at the Mission?

Each potential volunteer at Mission Services of London completes an application form, is interviewed and matched to a position that best meets the needs of the volunteer and MSL. The Volunteer Department strives to match the desires of individuals who want to volunteer their services in a wide variety of roles. We are so thankful to each of the more than 150 volunteers for their time and talents. They are, without question, a very valuable resource. Volunteers work alongside the staff in each area of service; doing many things for those we serve. Check out our Volunteer page to learn more.

4) Where does MSL get its funding?

MSL programs and services are funded by the municipal government, individuals, churches, schools, businesses, service clubs and community groups. We value the support of everyone in the community.

5. How is MSL total spending allotted?

At Mission Services of London we seek to put as much money into our programs as possible. In 2009-2010, we therefore spent 83.4% of our total budget on programs and 8.9% on fundraising and development. We spent 7.7% on general and administration. Mission Service of London’s programs and services – meals, drop-ins, family services, outreach, alcohol and drug recovery, employment and education services – are in most part funded by our generous donors. Thank you for supporting our continuum of care, bringing hope to the hungry, hurting and homeless!

For more information, visit the Our Finances page.

6. How many are employed at Mission Services of London?

Each year the number of staff continues to grow as Mission Services of London reaches out into the communities to meet the needs of those less fortunate. At present there are approximately 150 full and part-time staff working in the five branches, plus the administration office. In addition, we rely upon thousands of volunteers whose help is invaluable to Mission Services of London, by freely giving of their time and talents.

7. What Denomination is Mission Services of London?

Mission Services of London is a non-profit, interdenominational, Christian organization providing emergency services and interim solutions to poverty, addiction, and homelessness.

8. Where do we get our food?

Mission Services of London receives thousands of dollars worth of donated food items through out the year from individuals, churches, businesses and schools. In addition, Mission Services of London purchases food and supplies to ensure we provide proper nutritious meals to our guests.

10. What happens to clothing that is donated by the public?

Thousands of dollars of donated clothing items are given away free to the needy throughout the city, serving our clients and those of other social service agencies through our extensive voucher program hosted at The Mission Store.

Most of the donations are sent to The Mission Store, sold at very reasonable prices and the net proceeds help fund the program itself.

11. People frequently designate that donations be given to a specific charity in lieu of flowers when a loved one dies. How does MSL accept and acknowledge Memorial Gifts?

Mission Services of London is always honored and appreciative when it is selected to receive memorial gifts. At the request of the family of the deceased, donation cards and envelopes are provided to the funeral home to display at the memorial service and receive the gifts. Memorial gifts can also be sent directly to MSL. Just be sure to mention it is a memorial and identify the deceased and next of kin. A special letter acknowledging the names of all who gave a memorial donation will be sent by MSL to the family of the deceased.

12. Is there a way I can leave a part of my estate or a major gift to Mission Services of London?

Yes, Mission Services of London and its Foundation are very appreciative when its supporters choose to include Mission Services of London in their will. Those interested in leaving part of their estate to Mission Services of London can contact our Major Gifts Officer at 519.433.2807 to arrange a meeting to discuss the many facets of planned giving. Or learn more by visiting our “Did you know?” page of this website.