Toronto United Church Council

08/24/2026

Summer student spotlight: Meet Aline Nayir, Digital Archiving Assistant at TUCC.

Hi! My name is Aline and I am the Digital Archiving Assistant at TUCC this summer. My field of study is Archives and Records Management at the University of Toronto’s Master of Information program. I recently completed my last course in June. What drew me to TUCC is its well-documented past and important connection to the history of Toronto.

My work this summer requires me to apply my archives and records management knowledge to digital communications assets and donor records. Ali Hayes and I worked together to create a sustainable file organization structure that allows internal staff to retrieve what they need efficiently. I also collaborated with Janice Meighan to digitize and organize donor agreements, wills, and historical TUCC Board Minutes. Supporting these projects taught me how to better balance both individual user and broader organizational needs when maintaining records.

Connect with me on LinkedIn: https://ca.linkedin.com/in/aline-nayir-21bb552a6

08/20/2026

Summer Student Spotlight: Meet Pierre Ikladious, Software Engineering Intern at TUCC.

Hi, my name is Pierre. I'm a second-year Honours Computer Science student at the University of Toronto. I work as a Software Engineering Intern with Tay Moss at CHURCHx, TUCC’s e-learning platform, where I'm building a mobile version of the platform to make it more accessible for learners.

What drew me to TUCC was its mission-driven focus and the chance to develop a real product from the ground up. Tay has given me the freedom to build the app largely on my own, which has been both challenging and a great learning experience. I've picked up so many new technical skills along the way, and the experience has deepened my interest in pursuing work at the intersection of software engineering and purpose-driven technology.

I'm eager to connect with others who share similar interests! Find me on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/pierreik/

08/18/2026

Summer student spotlight: Meet Allan John (AJ) Francisco, Summer Camp Facilitator at TUCC.

Hi everyone! My name is AJ, and I am heading into my third year in the Creative Industries program at Toronto Metropolitan University. I am excited to be returning to the Toronto United Church Council for my second summer as a Summer Camp Facilitator. In this role, I help coordinate the day-to-day operations of camp, support engaging programs and activities, and work alongside camp staff to create a safe, welcoming, and positive environment for campers and their families. Returning to TUCC has given me the opportunity to continue growing both professionally and personally while strengthening my leadership, communication, teamwork, and problem-solving skills. This summer, I hope to take on new challenges, gain valuable experiences, and make meaningful contributions while helping create a fun, supportive, and memorable summer for every camper.

Connect with me on LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/allanjohnf

08/13/2026

Summer student spotlight: Meet Isabel De Guzman, Health, Safety, & Sustainability Coordinator at TUCC.

Hello, my name is Isabel! I am currently a third-year student at the University of Waterloo studying Life Sciences with a major in Biology. This summer, I’m working as the Health, Safety, and Sustainability Coordinator at TUCC. In this role, I help promote a safe and sustainable environment by creating health and safety resources, supporting first aid and waste diversion initiatives, tracking inventory & utility consumption, and monitoring overall building operations. I was drawn to TUCC because of its community engagement and the opportunity to learn more about how much effort goes into making sure people remain safe. During my time here, I have gained valuable experience applying health and safety principles in a real-world setting while strengthening my communication and problem-solving skills. Being here has reinforced my interest in pursuing a career where I can help create healthier, safer, and more environmentally friendly communities.

Connect with me on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/isabel-de-guzman-042ba6243/

08/11/2026

Meet our Summer Students!

Since 2019, TUCC staff has had the privilege of welcoming talented undergraduate and graduate students, and recent grads, whose ideas, energy, and creativity strengthen our ministry in new ways. Through the Canada Summer Jobs program, we're investing in the next generation while benefiting from their fresh perspectives and skills.

Our 2026 summer students consisted of five insightful and dedicated young people - Isabel De Guzman, Allan John Francisco, Pierre Ikladious, Aline Nayir, Henry Rogler, and Audrey Si - who have accomplished a great deal in their short time with us. In the following days, we'll be sharing more details about each student and the work they did this summer.

We are grateful for the gifts our summer students bring to our community and feel privileged to be part of their professional development pathways as they make progress towards their career goals.

08/04/2026

Summer student appreciation post!

We're so grateful to have a group of six talented and dedicated students working across our program areas this summer.

Last week, we gathered at Lansing for a celebratory lunch and an opportunity to hear highlights from each of their projects. From research and digital archiving to app creation and various aspects of property management, it was inspiring to see just how much they've accomplished in such a short time and the impact their work is already having.

We'll be sharing more about their projects later this month, so stay tuned!

Pictured from left to right: Audrey Si, Allan John Francisco, Henry Rogler, Pierre Ikladious, Aline Nayir, and Isabel De Guzman.

07/30/2026

When you think about summer camp, you probably picture canoes, campfires, and starry skies - a refrigerator might not be top of mind. But camp memories are made possible by the behind-the-scenes infrastructure that keeps campers safe, healthy, and well-fed.⁠

This summer, thanks to a low-interest loan from TUCC's Sustainable Energy Loan Fund (SELF), Camp Scugog replaced its aging refrigeration system with an energy-efficient commercial unit. The upgrade means safer food storage, lower energy use, and a kitchen well-equipped to nourish hundreds of campers and staff. TUCC’s Shannon Potter and Rafael Torres were on site earlier this month to see it for themselves.⁠

Our SELF loans are made possible by individual communities of faith and regional councils who have chosen to allocate a portion of the proceeds of church building sales to the fund when a congregation makes the decision to close. It is wonderful to witness how their legacy lives on in current sites of ministry, including United Church camps like Scugog where children and youth experience belonging, community, and joy.⁠

07/22/2026

Islington United Church in Etobicoke dreamed of extending the growing season of their Giving Garden ministry so that they could donate fresh produce to their local food bank year-round.

With the help of TUCC's Lillian Massey-Treble Fund grant, they were able to purchase their first two Just Vertical hydroponic units. As their Giving Garden ministry flourishes, Islington is now able to support food security in their community through the winter months when fresh food is most needed.

This amazing ministry is truly inspiring. Learn more in this short video featuring Islington's Monika Doherty!

Islington United Church dreamed of extending the growing season of ...

07/15/2026

Every gift matters. Every person belongs.

July is Disability Pride Month—a time to celebrate the leadership, wisdom, and contributions of people with disabilities, while reflecting on how we can remove barriers, create belonging, and ensure every person is welcomed, valued, and empowered to share their gifts.

In our latest e-news, we explore what Disability Pride Month means for communities of faith and share how our Halton United Church Extension Council accessibility grant helped one congregation create a more welcoming space for all.

Read the newsletter here: https://us1.campaign-archive.com/?u=44e45a7a7313a93dd7e13e292&id=907f2871fe

07/08/2026

Hard hats on, and an exciting project taking shape!

TUCC's Shannon Potter and Daniel Reed recently visited the construction site at Mt. Zion United Church, where work is progressing on the congregation's new Early Learning Centre.

Once complete, the centre will help address the need for licensed, affordable childcare in London, Ontario.

It's inspiring to see communities of faith creating spaces that serve their neighbours in meaningful and lasting ways. TUCC is grateful to support this important ministry through a loan from our Investing in Ministry Fund.