ABOUT US

Our Approach

CSO is committed to demonstrating Christ’s unconditional love across the Greater Toronto Area by providing essential resources such as food, clothing, and ongoing relational support on a weekly and daily basis. Through a spirit of service, CSO seeks to inspire hope, transforming lives and fostering lasting positive change. By meeting immediate needs and building meaningful connections, CSO strives to impact individuals and communities today, while planting seeds of hope for future generations.

The Volunteer Team

CSO is supported by a dedicated team of volunteers who generously give their time and talents to serve both weekly, daily, and occasionally. These committed individuals contribute in a variety of essential ways, including collecting clothing, preparing trucks for distribution, sorting donations, making sandwiches and food products, providing baked goods, fruits, and snacks, as well as picking up and delivering donations. Volunteers also support the creation of sleep mats from recycled milk bags, assist with vehicle maintenance, and offer pastoral care and prayer services both at outreach events and remotely. Additionally, team members serve in marketing, event planning, set-up and clean-up, accounting, grant writing, and more, coming together with a shared passion to meet the needs of those less fortunate. Through their service, these volunteers embody the love of Christ and make a tangible impact in the lives of countless individuals and families. Please consider being a part of our volunteer team.

Our Beginnings

City Street Outreach was founded as The Toronto Blanket Ministry in November 2010. What began as a small group of friends across the Greater Toronto Area providing blankets has grown into a mission of over 100 volunteers who now assist more than 1,400 individuals facing food and clothing insecurities on a daily and weekly basis.

The vision for the mission started with a recurring dream experienced by Alexander Smirnis from the summer of 2010 through to November. In his dream, he was guided through abandoned buildings, focusing on rooms filled with stacked blankets. This series of visions culminated in a vivid, lucid dream during the early winter. That morning, as he looked out at the snowstorm and felt the drop in temperature, Alex distinctly heard the words, "Go help your neighbors!" Deeply moved by this, he responded by taking action.

Alex began collecting blankets, sheets, and sleeping bags, making regular trips to the heart of the city to distribute them. As the ministry expanded, food was added to the efforts, and others felt called to join in, leading to outreach in new communities and additional ways to serve. Today, City Street Outreach is supported by a network of groups, organizations, churches, businesses, and individuals who work together to meet the needs of the most vulnerable in our communities, bringing hope and care to those who need it most.

Today’s Story

The remarkable success of City Street Outreach is rooted in the blessings of God and the unwavering support of countless individuals and organizations. By His grace, the ministry has flourished and continues to grow, thanks to the dedication of hundreds of volunteers and donors who generously give their time, resources, and skills. This collective effort enables us to serve thousands of individuals in need, consistently reaching those facing food insecurity, homelessness, and other challenges.

Support for City Street Outreach comes from a diverse range of sources across the Greater Toronto Area (GTA). Individuals, families, and businesses contribute, as well as churches, foundations, restaurants, other charitable organizations, and corporations that share in our mission to serve the most vulnerable. Our annual Coldest Night of the Year (CNOY) event, held each February, has become a significant opportunity for the community to come together in support of those in need, raising vital funds and awareness for our cause.

Through the collective power of prayer, service, and partnership, City Street Outreach continues to make a tangible, positive impact on the lives of those who need it most. We are deeply grateful for the faithful support of our community, as it enables us to live out our Christian calling to love and serve our neighbors with compassion and generosity. Together, with God's guidance, we are committed to extending hope, healing, and practical care to those we serve, now and in the years to come.

Meet the Directors

  • Grace Gintoli

    TREASURER

    Grace is a dedicated retired teacher with over 28 years of experience in education, having helped shape the minds of countless students throughout her career. Passionate about giving back to the community, Grace serves on the Board of Directors for CSO, where she leverages her expertise in education and mentorship to further the charity's mission. Her commitment to empowering others, along with her strong leadership and organizational skills, helps guide the organization in its efforts to create positive change. Outside of her professional experience, Grace is an active leader, continually striving to make a meaningful difference in the lives of individuals in need.

  • Pastor Michael Gomes

    DIRECTOR

    Pastor Mike is a dedicated and compassionate charity director with a lifelong commitment to serving others. With over 35 years of experience as a pastor, he has built a reputation for providing spiritual guidance and support to individuals in need at CSO and his own charity Freedom City. Pastor Mike has led numerous weekly community initiatives here in Toronto since 2010, focusing on uplifting those facing hardship through both spiritual counsel and practical assistance. His leadership in the charity sector is grounded in a deep understanding of faith, empathy, and service, making him a respected figure in  southern Ontario communities.

  • Brian Reynolds

    DIRECTOR

    Brian is a dedicated and compassionate charity director with strong ties to corporate leadership across Ontario. As a seasoned and certified Appreciation in the Workplace facilitator, he is passionate about fostering encouragement, personal growth, and creating positive work environments. With over 45 years of business experience, he has built a reputation for uplifting and supporting thousands through his work at CSO. In his role at CSO, Brian leads and assists with various weekly initiatives, providing both practical support and inspiration to individuals facing hardship. His leadership is grounded in empathy, service, and a steadfast commitment to making a meaningful impact in the lives of others.

  • Alexander Smirnis

    CHAIR

    With over 40 years of experience in Ontario's hospitality and real estate industries, Alex is a devoted realtor and the founder of CSO, a Christian charity grounded in faith and service. Throughout his career, he has built a reputation for excellence in both business and community involvement, driven by a strong sense of purpose and a desire to honor God in all his endeavors. As Chair of the Board of Directors for CSO, Alex uses his expertise and leadership to further the organization's mission of spreading hope, faith, and love to those in need, all while aligning with Christian principles of compassion, stewardship, and service. Known for his unwavering commitment to community service, Alex combines his entrepreneurial success with a deep, Christ-centered passion for making a meaningful difference in the lives of others. His leadership is rooted in a desire to reflect God's love through practical support and advocacy for charitable causes, particularly those that promote both spiritual and community growth. Alex’s vision extends beyond personal success, as he strives to cultivate positive change within both the real estate and hospitality industries across Ontario, all while advancing the Kingdom of God through acts of kindness, generosity, and service. Through his work, Alex is a testament to the power of faith in action, demonstrating how a life devoted to Christ can profoundly impact both individuals and communities.

  • James Wilkins

    DIRECTOR

    Combined with over 30 years of experience in programming and information technology, including more than 20 years in healthcare technology and seven years in construction logistics and truck tracking, James brings a wealth of expertise to his role at CSO. He has designed and implemented software solutions across Canada and internationally, managed large-scale projects, and was the go-to person for specialized customer care requests throughout his career. An accomplished board member with a strong foundation in both finance and religious studies, James provides strategic financial oversight to charitable organizations, ensuring sustainable growth while aligning financial practices with principles of compassion and integrity. His leadership and team-building skills help drive efficiency and innovation, furthering CSO’s mission. With a deep commitment to ethical stewardship and community service, James takes a God-focused approach to guiding CSO’s initiatives, ensuring that hope and support reach those who need it most.

  • Kathy Mickeler

    DIRECTOR

    With over 30 years of experience in the healthcare sector, in Administration and Information Technology, Kathy is a well-respected project manager and documentation specialist. Coming from a family dedicated to service, she has a deep personal commitment to supporting underprivileged and homeless communities and finds personal renewal in giving back. Kathy is honoured to use her expertise in documentation and project management to support City Street Outreach, helping to secure essential funding and resources for those in need. Her passion for making a difference drives her dedication to creating meaningful change through structured initiatives and community engagement.