Staff spotlight

We are shining a spotlight on our Fundraising Manager, Michael (Mick) McDade to find out what working at ECM means to him.

When did you join Emmanuel City Mission and what were your first impressions?
I joined Emmanuel City Mission more than 2 years ago and I have to confess that at first I was apprehensive because I’m not of the Catholic faith. But once I got to understand that there are people from all walks of life, different faiths and beliefs all working together to make people’s lives better – I felt that I had found a special place and possibly all my life’s work was converging to this time and place.

Tell us more about your role?
Well officially I am the Fundraising Manager, but I tend to call myself the Resource Manager because I see fundraising as being a very broad responsibility. It's about finding the resources needed to open the doors tomorrow, and the next month, and indeed this time next year and even in 10 years. So resources is more than money, it includes volunteers, advocates and even people who will put ECM and the people we are here to serve in their prayers and thoughts. My job is about getting this mix just right. I am constantly amazed at how many people care enough to want to be a part of this journey.

What do you love about working at Emmanuel City Mission?
I have generally had quite senior roles in very large charities so at this stage of my career I am really enjoying being in a small, frontline charity. But it’s a charity that is extraordinary, punching way above its weight. With barely 4 staff, it manages to serve over 100 homeless and vulnerable people every day and a normal week will have over 100 volunteers helping out.

That is so inspiring and something that I really want to be a part of. ECM is something so many charities talk about being like but very few achieve it, even momentarily.

I love the simplicity of each day and the focus on doing simple things extremely well. John, one of our most senior volunteers, summed it up last week by telling Roby and I a story about how much pleasure he gets from making sure the breakfast bar is spotless, and the bowls are presented in a way that shows someone cares. And I see that everywhere I look – from dry clean bath mats for everyone wanting a shower, right through to how we all talk to each other – dare I say what I love about ECM is the love.❤️