AROUND THE TERRITORY
THE W. GARFIELD Weston Foundation recently gifted $3 million to The Salvation Army Barbara Mitchell Family Resource Centres in Calgary and Winnipeg. The centres provide services to people affected by low education levels, social isolation, family violence, inadequate employment and low coping skills. Resource centre staff in Winnipeg moved into a new building on March 1. The Weston donation will cover a portion of the new facility’s construction costs, provide more youth programming, allow the centre to operate during evenings and weekends, and help launch a new seniors’ outreach program. Wendi Park, director, says this last program is a much-needed addition as the neighbourhood has one of the highest populations of seniors in Winnipeg. Each week, hundreds of clients take advantage of employment training for war-affected youth between the ages of 15 and 30, support for new and expectant parents, English-language assistance and homework help. The goal of the centre is to help people overcome whatever barriers they face. “We want to be a welcome home to people who are unsettled,” Park says. “We want to give them hope.” The W. Garfield Weston Foundation’s donation came as The
Photo: Aaron Epp/ChristianWeek
$3-Million Donation Supports Barbara Mitchell Resource Centre
Wendi Park, director, Barbara Mitchell Family Resource Centre in Winnipeg, stands in front of the centre’s new building
Salvation Army celebrated the one-year anniversary of its Dignity Project, an initiative designed to educate the public about the challenges facing society’s most vulnerable people. “Through the work of our family foundation, we are honoured to be continuing our mother’s legacy of supporting organizations that care for people in need in communities across Canada,” says Eliza Mitchell, daughter of Barbara Mitchell and director of the foundation.
Testimonies, Humour and Carnival Fun at Ocean Crest Anniversary
Salvationists and friends gather for anniversary celebrations
ON MAY 4-6, the Army’s Ocean Crest Community Church in Campbell River, B.C., celebrated the corps’ 20th anniversary. Majors Les and Cathy Burrows, who started the corps in 1992, were guest
speakers for the weekend. Friday evening featured family fun with guest entertainer Neale Bacon and his Crazy Critters and amusing bag of tricks, along with carnival games, hot dogs and popcorn. On
Saturday, the thrift store had a sale and offered cake and prizes to customers. At an afternoon open house at Ocean Crest, people reminisced by viewing a slide show of old photos. Bacon chaired Saturday evening’s music program, using humour and magic between other participants’ contributions, including Cadet Darryl Burry who is currently serving at Comox Valley Community Church, Courtenay, B.C. Speaking on behalf of the City of Campbell River, Councilman Larry Sampson praised the Army for the work it does in the community. Longtime church member Peter Zabinsky shared a moving testimony about his conversion in a service led by Major Les Burrows. Major Cathy Burrows then preached on the importance of remembering what God has done and looking for ways to celebrate the strengths of the church. In the Sunday morning service, teenagers Sarah Agnew and Noah McEwen presented a captivating skit about Jesus’ willingness to take away the trash in people’s lives and walk with them through life. Captain Gord Taylor, corps officer, encouraged the congregation to trust God in all things. In response to Major Les Burrows’ message to keep moving on with God, many people went forward for prayer, seeking God’s guidance for the future. Salvationist I July 2012 I 5