IMPACT – Your Support in Ac�on –
The Crisis Behind the Crisis Over the past number of months British Columbia has seen a terrifying increase in the number of overdoses. By the end of August, only eight months into the year, the province had already broken its own record number of illicit drug deaths surpassing all those in 2019 with 1,068 individuals losing their lives. This record-breaking year included six straight months with more than 100 illicit drug toxicity deaths from March to August. This crisis continues to claim lives all while nations around the world continue to struggle fighting against the COVID-19 pandemic. How has the crisis behind the crisis been able to continue to worsen during this time, and what role has the global pandemic played in the growing number of lives taken? We spoke to Mark, a frontline Addictions Counsellor at Vancouver Harbour Light, to learn more. * “In order to prevent the spread of COVID-19 people have been told to isolate themselves, but when someone is using and is in distress no one is there to help.” Mark believes that COVID-19 has played a large factor in the increased number of overdoses and deaths we’re seeing here in British Columbia. “In order to prevent the spread people have been told to isolate themselves, but when someone is using and is in distress no one is there to help,” he says. Those seeking treatment might have also been weary of visiting a counsellor in-person during the height of the pandemic.
salvationarmy.ca | Fall 2020
Additionally, the closure of the borders has affected the supply of illicit substances causing an unreliable product with more potential to cause harm. For the province to see a reduction in the number of overdoses Mark imagines a situation where it is possible to choose clean, pharmaceutical-grade drugs over street drugs. Then, with treatment services available addiction professionals can help ultimately lead a person to abstinence. There is also a need to address some of the common misconceptions around the drug crisis. This includes the fact that alcohol is also a drug, and that if misused prescribed narcotics can lead to serious issues. Throughout the pandemic the Treatment Program at Vancouver Harbour Light has been able to stay open by making a number of changes to ensure the safety of clients and staff. To provide safe physical distancing dorm rooms at Harbour Light were changed to single occupancy with one being designated to isolate anyone experiencing symptoms, and 12-step meetings were limited to residential clients and staff. Although changes like this meant that the program could no longer accept as many clients, they were able to still run some vital group activities by adjusting the spacing, hosting partially virtual meetings, mandating mask use, performing routine symptom checks, and increased cleaning. ...continued on page 2
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Mark is very passionate about this issue and about helping others who are trying to change their lives for the better. This is because he is not only an Addictions Counsellor at Harbour Light but a graduate and alumni himself. “I personally completed the program twice at Vancouver Harbour Light and have been sober for the last fifteen years,” Mark shares.
This crisis cannot be ignored any longer, every single day people are dying; this is the reality we are faced with. We can’t do it alone. We need your help.
“I’ve seen firsthand the miracles that happen at Vancouver Harbour Light. The compassion and second chances are beyond measure.”
To learn more about how you can support The Salvation Army visit donate.salvationarmy.ca
Thank you for Giving Hope Today … and every day.
*name changed to protect the privacy of individuals
Because of the generosity and support from donors like you, we are able to help Mark and others struggling with addiction.
THE IMPACT OF YOUR GIFT “The Salvation Army is an organization with the capacity and depth to help in so many different situations,” he says. “And it’s encouraging to know the community wants us here—it makes you want to do good work.” Downward Spiral
Northern Exposure Cameron Eggie was a transitional housing caseworker at The Salvation Army’s Gateway of Hope in Langley, B.C., when the chaplain at the time, Major Henri Regamey, encouraged him to explore chaplaincy, and mentored him in the process. While completing a certificate in chaplaincy and spiritual care at Booth University College, Eggie was hired at Vancouver Harbour Light on the Downtown Eastside.
Eggie is from Selkirk, Manitoba, a small city just outside Winnipeg. Once a settlement of the Peguis First Nation, the government relocated the reserve about 175 kilometres north in 1907. Eggie’s great-grandfather was forced to choose between losing his status, friends and cultural identity or moving to the distant reserve. He chose to stay. In the mid ’90s, Canada determined that the surrender of this land was invalid, and that restitution was necessary. While Eggie has status as a member of the Peguis First Nation, he didn’t grow up with a strong sense of his cultural heritage … … Continue Cameron’s story at Salvationist.ca
“On my first day, Major Regamey introduced me to everyone,” says Eggie. “But he didn’t start with the staff—he took me outside to the food line. There were about 200300 people standing in line for a meal, and he walked me through, shaking every single person’s hand.” As Eggie has grown in leadership within The Salvation Army, that introduction has stayed with him. “It really helped shape my idea of what The Salvation Army is all about,” says Eggie. “Beyond our programs and systems, we’re here for this long lunch line of people.” Today, Eggie is the executive director of the Army’s Northern Centre of Hope in Fort St. John, B.C., where he serves along with his wife, Tatjana.
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“I’ve been out to search and rescues, with the family that lost a member, I would say a prayer with them right there, expressing faith and hope.” As a long time volunteer and community member, Ron sees the enormous impact the work that our Addictions & Rehabilitation Centre (ARC) and Emergency Disaster Services (EDS) has in Victoria. And because of this he doesn’t plan on stopping anytime soon.
58 Years and Counting
“By giving some of your extra time, you are letting the community know that there is hope for everyone. You see the difference you make by being there, by giving a smile, you can help people turn their lives around.”
Growing up with Salvation Army Officers as parents certainly influences the upbringing. For Ron Walker, his role at The Salvation Army started in 1962 when he was only 10-years-old.
For more information on how you can become a volunteer with us, visit: salvationarmy.ca/volunteer
“I was born into it, my parents were Salvation Army Officers. Both in corps work with the church and social work. I remember when I was 10-years-old, in P.E.I., I helped my father serve coffee and doughnuts from the back of our station wagon at a house fire.”
Helping Students Return to the Classroom His upbringing taught him well. Now 68-years-old, Ron continues to volunteer with several Army locations. He works with family services, while being part of the community council at his own church. He helps with different campaigns all year round such as Christmas, back-to-school and Summer camps; using his talent in graphics to create posters for his church. Growing up, Ron never knew hunger or homelessness, and although his parents weren’t rich, they still helped their community. Wanting to help is what motivates him to continue volunteering. “The people in the community are really in need and appreciate what the Army does. Simple things like offering a meal, clothing, hearing God Bless you or even a smile makes a difference in their lives.” Volunteering with The Salvation Army gives Ron a chance to not only physically help but emotionally and spiritually as well.
salvationarmy.ca | Fall 2020
September marks the start of the school year, and with all the changes that the COVID-19 pandemic has brought and continues to bring, the need for support for families who struggle with the additional costs of school preparation is even greater. Although when the school year started the province was still working out what a full return to the classroom would look like, students still needed supplies, backpacks, and for those who are taking part in virtual classes from home there was need for technology to keep up with their peers. Throughout British Columbia many of our locations host an annual Back to School Fair, handing out supplies to students in need. However pandemic restrictions meant the distribution had to be adjusted this year to maintain safety. Read below to see how The Salvation Army helped kids to return to school this year in several different cities … ...continued on page 4
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Expecting a large increase in demand with the economic effects of the COVID-19 pandemic in the Maple Ridge and Pitt Meadows communities, Ridge Meadows Ministries partnered again this year with their local Staples, gathering backpacks and supplies for 500 students. Families registered online and students were able to pick up their new supplies at school during their first week of classes. Additionally, to support secondary school students who are taking online courses this year 70 laptops were donated and will be given to select families recommended by the School District. Centre of Hope – Abbotsford In Abbotsford, The Salvation Army Centre of Hope partnered with Country 107.1, Zacharias & Vickers LLP, GM-Abbotsford, Tim Horton’s, and Heart to Heart Education Committee to organize a Back to School Drive-Through that helped over 140 students get ready for the school year. This included backpacks full of school supplies along with $50 food gift cards to help with packed lunches. Kelowna Ministries After hearing a church in the community was no longer able to support the same number of families this year due to lack of resources, The Salvation Army Kelowna Ministries worked with their local Staples, to nearly double their efforts this year, reaching close to 200 students. With special focus on middle and high school-aged students, specific supplies such as zipper binders were organized, and through appointments they were able to assess any additional need for food and clothing. Boundless Vancouver Changing things up from their usual Back to School Fair, Boundless Vancouver prepared 500 backpacks, generously donated by the Donnelly Fund and Herschel Supply Co. Filled with school supplies, these bags were given to families in need. And their COVID friendly pick up window came in handy for distribution time.
Gateway of Hope – Langley
Ridge Meadows Ministries
salvationarmy.ca | Fall 2020
One parent shared, “It took a financial weight off my shoulders, as a single mom I sometimes struggle to afford nice stuff. Thank you from the bottom of my heart!”Gateway of Hope in Langley recruited an army of volunteers to help with the delivery of school supplies. To ensure ease and the health and well-being of the families in need, 40 drivers were organized to make contactless home deliveries. ...continued on page 5
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Working with local churches (Christian Life Assembly, Village Church and Southgate Church) they distributed nearly 700 backpacks, up from 450 last year.
“The topic of the luncheon was key to Dieter’s understanding of what The Salvation Army does,” says Carol Barton, charitable gift advisor in Victoria, B.C. “The speeches relating to hope and transformation of struggling addicts had a significant impact on him.” Dieter had a young relative who struggled with addiction and has since designated his donations to youth and adult addictions programs. “I went to an event and learned first-hand about the work the Army does for people in real need,” says Dieter. “That’s when I committed to making annual donations and have left a large portion of my estate to The Salvation Army.”
Kamloops Corps Kamloops Salvation Army wanted to help give students a boost of confidence before returning to the classroom and hosted free haircuts with First Choice Haircutters. One student said, “this haircut means a lot and helps me look forward to the school year a little more”. Because of the generosity and support from donors like you, we continue to provide a head start to the school year for families and young students in need. Thank you for Giving Hope Today … and every day. To learn more about how you can support The Salvation Army, visit donate.salvationarmy.ca.
“Without the generosity of our donors and stakeholders, The Salvation Army wouldn’t be able to carry out our vital mission of Giving Hope Today, now and well into the future,” says Carol. “Furthermore, gifts to The Salvation Army reflect true compassion and love for our fellow human beings, many who struggle with some of life’s harshest challenges.” “The dedication of the people at The Salvation Army is incredible,” says Dieter. “It feels good to donate to them because the money is well spent. I always ask where it is urgently needed, and that’s where we put it.” Having spent years as a school teacher, and then as a property developer, Dieter now spends his time relaxing and gardening. “To know I am helping people makes me feel useful, grateful and humble. I’m glad there are trustworthy people such as The Salvation Army who not only give a hand up to those in need but make them even stronger.” Because of the generosity and support from donors like Dieter, we will be able to continue to Give Hope Today … and every day to those in need throughout British Columbia. To learn more about Legacy Giving salvationarmy.ca/how-youcan-help/financial-support/legacy-giving By Linda Leigh
An Eighty-Year-Old with a Passion for Helping Others Growing up with Salvation Army Officers as parents certainly When 80-year-old Dieter first began supporting The Salvation Army, he did so because he researched the organization and learned that little money went to administrative costs. Then, when he attended his first donor recognition luncheon, his will to give became more personal.
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Greater Vancouver Advisory Board Welcomes New Members The Greater Vancouver Advisory Board extends a warm welcome to new members Michael Meneer and Michael Whittaker who both officially joined the team on September 15th. Michael Meneer has two decades of experience in journalism, fundraising and public affairs in the United States and Canada. He has been President and CEO of the Pacific Salmon Foundation since April 2019 and prior to that was Vice President for development, communications and marketing for 10 years. He helped to generate significant growth in PSF’s fundraising, communications and public affairs during that period. This included leadership roles in fundraising for the $13 million Salish Sea Marine survival project and the successful return of 100% of salmon conservation stamp to PSFs community salmon program. Before moving to Vancouver in 2007, Meneer worked for seven years in Washington D.C. as an association executive director, journalist and communications officer for two NGOs, which included stints at the ABC news affiliate in the nation’s capital; Catholic Charities; and the US Council on Competitiveness. Michael earned a Bachelors degree in history from Ohio State University in 1997 and a Masters degree in journalism and public affairs from American University in 2004. In his spare time, Michael is also a film and television actor and media commentator on US politics.
Michael Whittaker leads Deloitte Canada’s Enterprise Content Management (ECM) practice. He is a senior leader helping organizations gain better access to their information seamlessly through digital delivery. With 20 years of information management experience, he brings experience advising clients and implementing solutions to help them better find, share, manage and leverage their organization data and information. Michael’s subject matter expertise includes governance, information architecture, content analytics, documentation management, records management, content enrichment, content migration and search. His experience has been gained helping a large and diverse client base spanning Canada, the U.S. and other locations around the world. Outside of consulting, Michael is passionate about the growing B.C. Technology marketplace. He contributes to B.C. Tech through his work on the BTM Advisory Board at SFU, his membership with the Vancouver Board of Trade, as well as his work with several B.C. start-ups. To view the full list of Advisory Board members, visit salvationarmy.ca/britishcolumbia/home/our-team/ vancouver-advisory-board
Thanks to you, our generous supporters, we can continue Giving Hope Today … and every day. Go to salvationarmy.ca/donations to continue making a difference.
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