nightlight

nightlight Canada is a multi-denominational Christian ministry that operates drop-in centres in Belleville, Cambridge and Kingston, Ontario that service those on the margins. We believe that one of the most devastating and under-addressed forms of poverty is relational poverty. nightlight seeks to address this through adult drop-in centres, safe places to build meaningful relationships, where we invite in anyone who wants to come in, including those who would normally be excluded. We serve refreshments and a place for people to play games, chat, and build relationships.

nightlight Canada was founded in 2012 by our executive director, Ben Platz. Ben was previously part of adult drop-in centres in Guelph, Ontario and Lille, France. In 2010, he returned to his hometown, Kingston, Ontario, with his family. Soon after, he became keenly aware that the church had left caring for the poor to the government. He began to wonder if downtown Kingston needed a drop-in centre that focuses on relational poverty, staffed by volunteers from local churches. He set out to explore the viability of an adult drop-in centre in Kingston, and with the support and buy-in of Kingstonians, the conclusion was yes. nightlight Kingston officially opened in January 2012. Since then, nightlight centres have opened in Belleville (2014) and Cambridge (2018).
nightlight Canada received official charitable status in 2014. 

nightlight Canada is headquartered in Kingston, Ontario.
We have a small team of part-time staff and one full-time staff member.
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