Clelland’s connection to Sanctuary began 18 years ago when be began a mentoring relationship with Greg Paul, the founding co-Executive Director of Sanctuary Toronto.

This relationship led Clelland to become one of the co-founders of Sanctuary London in 2011, where he served as the Executive Pastor: developing programmes, engaging in outreach, building relationships with those on the streets, and raising awareness about the challenges faced by people who are unhoused. Most recently, Clelland has been a part of the Sanctuary Toronto team as an outreach pastor and housing specialist. In the latter role he has been more deeply exploring the role that Sanctuary can play in assisting those who are homeless with finding housing.

It’s an honour to be asked by the Board to serve as the next Executive Director at Sanctuary. I first heard about Sanctuary when I met Greg Paul in 2007. At that time, I had just started working among unhoused individuals in London ON at Youth for Christ. Greg shared his vision of a community of radical welcome and reciprocal friendship that was inspired by the love of Jesus. This stirred something in me that I have tried to live out ever since. In 2011, my co-pastor Darryl Reckman and I planted Sanctuary London, where I learned many lessons about this vocation— most notably to listen and be curious. My friends on the street were gentle and patient with me, teaching me about tearing off the mask of having it all together, about authenticity, and about the importance of true vulnerability. 

— A note from Gil

I came to Toronto in 2023 to join the staff at Sanctuary, beginning on outreach and then stepping into the role of housing specialist. In Toronto I joined a team that was coming out of the dramatic shifts under Covid regulations, painful losses of long time members of the community, but who were still pressing on each day with a sense of calling and perseverance. The Sanctuary staff are an amazing team! They are passionate about serving our friends, driven to do what’s best, and still have enough energy for humour and joy. 

We are each part of a greater community that includes our friends, our board, our donors, and our neighbours. Together we aim towards a life rooted in the biblical vision of Shalom - a world where there is enough for all - enough food, enough shelter, and enough love. As Executive Director, I look forward to the next chapter, getting to know the community better by listening and remaining curious, and continuing to radically welcome each person in love.

I enjoy running, climbing, studying theology, and a lifelong artist who specializes in realistic and 3-D imagery in chalk, paint, and drawing.

I am a father to Joseph, Isaiah, and Jacob, and lives in Toronto.

Gil can be reached at gilc@sanctuarytoronto.ca