Lending Support at Annual Anglican Fundraising Dinner

On Oct. 17, Bishop John Boissonneau attended the 64th annual Bishop’s Company Dinner of the Anglican Diocese of Toronto, an annual dinner that raises funds to support Anglican clergy and families in need.

During the dinner, Oshawa Mayor Dan Carter shared his remarkable journey from homelessness and addiction to becoming mayor of Oshawa.

Born in Saint John, New Brunswick, and adopted after a difficult childhood marked by trauma and loss, he spent 17 years living on the streets of Toronto. With help from his sister, he overcame addiction, began a career in broadcasting, and later entered public service. After his sister’s death, Carter found healing and purpose through faith, saying, “I wouldn’t be standing here today if it wasn’t for somebody who never gave up on me… my Lord and Saviour.”

Bishop Andrew Asbil thanked Mayor Carter for his “courageous and compassionate” remarks, which earned a standing ovation from the crowd of more than 400 guests.

In his welcome, Bishop Asbil remarked on the deeper purpose of the evening: “There are times when our clergy and families find ourselves in a place that’s hard and we are down,” he said. “Your presence here tonight is helping to make a difference for many. We are deeply grateful.”