Toronto City Council has officially declared December as Christian Heritage Month, providing an opportunity to reflect on the values and contributions rooted in Christian traditions.
Did you know that Moorelands Kids was founded in 1912 as a Christian organization?
Today, we remain committed to reflecting the diversity and inclusivity of the community we serve, adapting to the needs of a changing world. We take pride in honouring our history while celebrating how these foundational values continue to inspire our mission of empowering children and youth to overcome socio-economic barriers and succeed.
The Founding of Moorelands Kids
In 1912, Canon R.J. Moore, Rector of St. George’s Parish, led a coalition of six downtown Anglican parishes in Toronto to address the poverty, disease and hopelessness affecting thousands of families. This united effort formed the Downtown Church Workers’ Association (DCA), now known as Moorelands Kids.
The DCA’s early programs were rooted in compassion and a commitment to improving lives. Mothers’ Meetings provided support and encouragement during times of illness and unemployment, and fresh-air excursions offered respite to mothers and their children. Medical lectures addressed health concerns of the time such as caring for infants, hygiene and tuberculosis. The DCA even created an outdoor hospital in Memorial Park equipped to provide medical care in an effort to reduce the loss of infant life.
How It Evolved
As Toronto grew, so did the DCA. In 1917, the organization purchased land on Lake Simcoe, marking the first establishment of Moorelands Camp, a place for mothers and children to find rest and renewal. Over the decades, the organization expanded its programs to address changing societal needs, from providing food and clothing during the Great Depression to running urban literacy initiatives and after-school programs in the late 20th century.
In 1971, Moorelands Camp moved to its current location on Kawagama Lake – a move that was motivated in part by a change in philosophy. It was decided that the needs of Moorelands’ campers were beyond just fun and outdoor activities, and that the camp should provide opportunities for personal development and achievement as well.
By the 1990s, the DCA was operating after-school programs for children and youth in the city, as well as a wilderness camp and Christmas assistance program. In 2001, the DCA changed its name to Moorelands Community Services to better reflect the independent, multicultural, multi-faith and multi-ethnic community service it had become, while at the same time honouring its founder and rich history.
Celebrating Christian Heritage Month
In 2018, we rebranded to become Moorelands Kids, an organization that remains committed to equipping children and youth affected by poverty with the tools to succeed. Our programs focus on leadership development, personal growth, and fostering a sense of community.
With more than 100 years of rich history, the values that shaped our foundation remain deeply embedded in our mission. Respect and dignity, compassion and charity, stewardship, and an unwavering belief in the potential of every child continue to guide all that we do.
As we celebrate our history during Christian Heritage Month, we honour the vision set out by Canon R.J. Moore, and look forward to a future of continued service.
To learn more about the history of Moorelands Camp, click here.
