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By Courtney Almeida

The Salvation Army celebrates 100 years in Grande Prairie

Mar 5, 2019 | 4:30 AM

The Salvation Army is celebrating its 100th year of service in Grande Prairie with an anniversary focused on recognizing past achievements and future developments for another 100 years of service. 

It arrived here in 1919. In 2018, it had a record-breaking banner year, raising $521,000 in funds and serving over 27,000 meals to those in poverty within the Swan City. 

“Salvation Army tries to introduce hope and dignity to people during tough times,” says Captain Peter Kim, Executive Director of Community and Family Services. 

April 10 is the official anniversary date but scheduled celebrations will continue through April 14. 

The future of the Salvation Army in Grande Prairie is sustainability-focused says Kim. “To ensure that we’re dealing with the root causes of poverty directly.”  

A new “Pathway of Hope” operating model will be introduced at the anniversary celebration happening on April 13.

“We’re trying to look at what are those cycles of defeat that are currently in peoples lives. We want to help build capacity, build hope and stability into their lives so that they are less using our services and more geared towards person setting, goal setting and action setting.” 

In addition, the group will debut a new mobile Emergency Disaster Services Canteen. 

“Our Emergency Disaster Services Canteen is a community response unit, to help feed people who are in poverty and who are hungry and to also use it as a vehicle to feed first responders in the event of a disaster,” said Kim.

The Salvation Army has also organized a “Walk Down Memory Lane” display at their facility. 

On April 14, the Church will host a special service and potluck.

After 100 years, the Salvation Army is getting a fresh look. They will be retiring their old flag and unveiling a new one. A brand new grand piano will also make its debut, bought through memorial donations to the Church.

“Two female officers started the Salvation Army in Grande Prairie,” said Kim. “They were able to help out with different areas in the community, which included taking care of children, helping people during their tough times with food and clothing and our church and worship services. We were able to be a part of the fabric of the community at a very early start.”

The Salvation Army Food Bank served over 4,000 hampers last year, which included the delivery of diapers, feminine hygiene products, gift cards and children’s toys over the holidays. They also serve breakfast, lunch, and dinner two nights a week from Monday through Friday to those who are hungry. 

In 100 years, the group has had thrift stores, sent numerous kids to camp, helped victims of addiction and supported housing first projects. 

Successful campaigns include the “Stuff a Bus” campaign and Rotary Community Food Drive which saw close to 800 volunteers canvas the city to raise 50,000 tonnes of food in just three hours time during the Christmas holidays. 

A formal festivity is set to take place at the Pomeroy Hotel & Conference Centre at 6 p.m. on April 13. The event will feature dinner and live music and tickets can be purchased for $45 by calling 780-538-2848. 

by Courtney Almeida