As an important part of the City in Focus community we wanted to update you on some of the highlights of 2008. For more information please see our updated website.

Blessings,Tom Cooper.

City in Focus (CIF) has supported organizations and individuals involved in the frontline work of loving and supporting those in our midst who are poor, demoralized and isolated.  For example:

• Financial support has been extended to organizations that assist single parents, abused women, the homeless and hungry, children coping with addictions and abuse and other works with at-risk youth all over the lower-mainland.
  

• City in Focus and its Associates  have brought counsel, chaplaincy and support to many individuals in the city; business men,  emergency workers and pastors alike. They have striven to meet individuals where they are, and to bridge the gap between the  rich and poor.
  

CIF has hosted or encouraged many successful events which have connected faith and the marketplace.  Some of these events were:

• Once a month at the City in Focus Breakfasts, individuals gathered in the early AM. These mornings provided a space in which speaker and listeners alike could pause before another hectic day to authentically consider the intersect of work and faith.
• The 17th Annual Wallet Open Charity Golf Classic brought together an array of seasoned and not-so-seasoned golfers who swung their clubs and bid on auction items to raise record funds in order to send underprivileged children to summer camps.
• On April 11th, over a thousand guests gathered at The BC Leadership Prayer Breakfast where Philip Mangano spoke to the shared ethical and economic importance of ending homelessness. All those gathered paused to pray for our city, our province and our nation. 

CIF has been able to support several strategic initiatives.  A few such initiatives:

• The BC Student Forum continued its work this year of fostering intergenerational relationships between students and professionals. Over a hundred individuals attended this year’s forum to explore the intersect of work and faith.
• More Than Gold (VWGN) continued preparation for the 2010 Olympic & Paralympics . This multi- denominational network of Christian leaders is united to reflect Christ before, during and after the 2010 games. VWGN is focused on the areas of witness, service and unity and on leaving the legacy of a network comprised of the Christian community to work together for years to come.
  
• The Church & Affordable Housing Conference brought together concerned individuals from all over the lower mainland who are interested in ending the housing crisis.

CIF has continued to change and evolve as an organization this year.  Several examples are:

• We have moved in to a new, larger administrative office while maintaining a presence in downtown with a small office there (generously donated to us).  Our new place allows numerous other Christian organizations to have their offices on the same floor, including BC Christian News, YouthWorks and More than Gold.
• We have a smart revamped web site. Have a look at  www.cityinfocus.ca
• In addition to previous works which integrate media arts and faith, our associates are exploring the relationship between the arts community and the business community.  The Joy of Christmas, was an evening of performances complete with artists showcasing and selling their music and art to a gathering of business and political leaders.
• We have new additions to our team of associates, including Catherine Hoy who ministers as a chaplain in the marketplace of Langley.