Mission Musings

Regina couple opens doors for Souls Harbour Rescue Mission Chili Fundraiser

noreply@blogger.com (Mission Musings) — Tue, 30 Jun 2009 00:46:00 +0000

A Regina couple will host the third annual Souls Harbour Rescue Mission Chili Fundraiser. This file photo shows fundraiser guests at the same event in 2007.
Photograph by: Roy Antal, Leader-Post files

Leader-Post
Anne Kyle

REGINA — On Tuesday, guests will converge on Karl Fix and Sandi Beug's backyard where, for $100, they will dine on homecooked chili and listen to music performed by a dozen of Saskatchewan's leading musicians.

This is the third annual Souls Harbour Rescue Mission Chili Fundraiser where the Regina couple open their doors and Reginans open their wallets to help some of the city's less fortunate.

"Quite a few years ago, maybe four years ago, I had someone very close to me who went off the rails. I couldn't help her by giving her money directly, but I could see that she was the type of person who might end up utilizing the Souls Harbour facility,'' Beug said.

"And my husband Karl likes to entertain. He likes to throw parties ,so I approached him with the idea that we have a party and ask everyone to donate $50 and the proceeds from the party would go to Souls Harbour.''

Beug said they tried to figure out what would be the most economical thing to serve because initially they were going to be paying for everything and so they came upon the idea of serving chili.

The idea took off and soon businesses were donating all the fixings for the soiree and musicians were offering to entertain for free.

The couple also park an old half-ton truck on their driveway and collect non-perishable food items, diapers and canned food for the soup kitchen. This year guests are asked to bring pasta items to fill the truck.

While the food and drinks are donated by various corporate sponsors, Beug donates her time and sweat equity spending a day in the kitchen cooking up 300 portions of gourmet chili. Her staff at her dental clinic also volunteer their time serving up the food on the day of the party.

"We had gone on occasion to help out at the (Souls Harbour soup kitchen) but because of our work schedules it is difficult to make a regular commitment. We wanted to give something back to the community,'' Fix said.

Historically, summer is not a peak time for donations, so the money and food items collected on Tuesday will be greatly appreciated by Souls Harbour, which provides over 100,000 meals a year, said Joe Miller, assistant director at Souls Harbour. "That's a lot of food.''

When Beug proposed the idea of a backyard party, Fix said he thought it would be a great fundraiser and a lot of fun.

"The first one was three years ago. It was a great success. We had about 250 people out. We never expected that,'' he said, explaining last year they raised $25,000.

This year 250 tickets are being sold to the backyard party which runs from 6 p.m. to 11 p.m. Tickets are available at Eastend Dental, 2069 Park St., until 4 p.m. Tuesday. Tax receipts are issued for the entire $100 ticket price.

Media Release & Public Invitation

noreply@blogger.com (Mission Musings) — Mon, 29 Jun 2009 03:28:00 +0000

Come to Undie Monday at the Good News Chapel Parking Lot tomorrow at 9:00 a.m.

2500 pair of underwear will be received.

Meet Brent King himself, as he tours across our great country distributing 25,000 pair of underwear to Canadian Rescue Missions to raise awareness for the poor.

What: Undie Monday
Time: 9:00 a.m.
Where:Corner of Elphinstone & 8th in North Central
Right beside Sacred Heart School

If you want to read about the Underwear King's adventures, check out
his blog: http://underweardrive.blogspot.com/

See you all tomorrow morning at 9:00!

"Dont it always seem to go
That you dont know what you've got
Till its gone
They paved paradise
And put up a parking lot"
-Joni Mitchell

Balance

noreply@blogger.com (Mission Musings) — Mon, 22 Jun 2009 07:26:00 +0000

I learned long ago that a balanced life is impossible. We want to have our cake and eat it too! And so, we work full time, we have babies, we raise children, we become soccer moms, we look after our aged parents, we diet, we exercise, we eat more cake, we change jobs, we move, we get a dog, we teach Sunday School… the list is endless.

All good and mostly necessary things. But as we get more and more engrossed in the busyness and chaos that is our life, we forget that we need to take time to rest, evaluate, and even prune some things.

Do you have time to drive the children to music lessons, dance, two sports plus all the parties and play dates?

Is Johnny really going to walk the dog twice a day?

Are you truly able to serve on that board of directors right now?

Am I actually getting my money out of that gym membership?

Richard Swenson’s books on margin explain that we have to have room in our lives to 1) be still and hear God speak; and 2) manage the unexpected - whether it be good or bad!

Think of your life as a pie, with each piece taken up by something: family, God and church, activities, etc. If you end up filling up your entire pie, there will be nothing left to serve!

And so, without margin, or an extra pie slice, what do you do when you have to cope with sickness, loss or grief? We stifle it and it comes out in other ways that are harmful to ourselves and others.

Without financial margin, how do you pay for that out of town funeral you didn’t expect to have to attend? What happens when Suzie needs braces? What if you lose your job? Do you have 6 months of wages in your savings? Are you actively paying off debt? Or are you charging trips and cars and expecting to get to that loan one day down the road?

How do you make time for the good celebrations, such as welcoming babies and other such milestones? Sure, we squeeze these things in, but we either don’t enjoy them as we should, sacrificing the thing for which we were created: community. We are meant to live in community.

Do you feel lonely? Are you struggling with frustration? You might want to take a good hard look at your schedule. Not week to week. Not one or two late nights or overtime shifts. Look larger - at the bigger picture and life patterns you’ve set up for yourself.

Are they healthy? Is there enough change that you don’t feel stagnant? Or is there so much activity and change that you score off the charts in online stress tests?

We can’t all go away for a month at a time, especially to a Hawaii'an island. But we can be careful as to how we slice our pie, so that, when all is said and done, we have more than just crumbs on the table.

Gear Guide: Skechers Shape-Ups Fitness Shoes - Healthy Living - Health.com#comment-12122#comment-12122#comment-12122#comment-12122

noreply@blogger.com (Mission Musings) — Fri, 12 Jun 2009 23:42:00 +0000

I just bought two pair of these shoes and am loving them! I'm a sucker for "technology" - having purchased in the past the NASA temperpedic space bed and a high-tech insulating paint. :)

Gear Guide: Skechers Shape-Ups Fitness Shoes - Healthy Living - Health.com#comment-12122#comment-12122#comment-12122#comment-12122

Shared via AddThis

Look what I found on the web today!

noreply@blogger.com (Mission Musings) — Thu, 11 Jun 2009 09:01:00 +0000

http://hotnews.hughpages.com/tell_13420_id_1388.php

Blog on a Plane

noreply@blogger.com (Mission Musings) — Sat, 06 Jun 2009 23:18:00 +0000

Recipe for Relief:

2 parts WestJet
20 parts marital bliss
3 generous couples
1part tropical island

=a wonderful, all-expense paid trip to Hawai’i for our
20th wedding anniversary!

I’m writing this on the plane, the sun is blaring in my eyes, yet it is 10:00 p.m. my time. When all is said and done, Ken and I will be arriving at our condo past midnight. I had big plans for my arrival - sit on the beach in the dark of night and listen to the waves lap the shore, or maybe take in a rooftop swim in the salt water pool (no chlorine!), or dine down the block with live Hawaiian serenade. Truth be told, sleep may prevail.

But with a month of aloha ahead, I am sure the sleep will do me good.

The year has been a good one with much ado about the Mission. Ken has been busy with the inner city church plant and a full schedule of counselling, teaching and preaching. It’s a different kind of tired when the work is spiritual. In a manner of speaking, you find yourself responsible for people’s souls.

As for me, there have been enough adventures to wear me out a little: developing an executive team, restructuring & growing staff, purchasing and renovating a youth centre and daycare, two Gospel nights, myriads of tv and radio interviews, a fund raising banquet & graduation ceremony, a Paragon award, a Women of Distinction award, two volunteer awards (Yay, Beth!), board reports and meetings, a conference, multiple speaking engagements, some business travel… well, the list goes on. I mean, what does a CEO actually DO?!

I have an awesome team, and many of the things listed I am ultimately responsible for, yet I have great people to take the lead. Still, there is a weariness in the bones that creeps in after 11 months of go go go. And so, as I bask in the sun, streaming through my airplane window, I know that I am ready for this rest.

I’m a person who seems to balance my life in chunks. For the next month, I’m incognito. I become Michelle the wife. I set aside my CEO and missionary hats. It’s just me. And just the person who knows me this way. No masks. No deadlines. No charades. No shenanigans! ;)

Life isn’t always balanced. In fact, it’s virtually impossible to achieve balance these days, at least for those of us who work full time. But rest can come in ways least expected, and isn’t always regimented in the way we wish. For me, a month off every June keeps me coming back for more. It refreshes my soul, nourishes my marriage, and revives me for another year in the service of the King.

In the Service of the King

I am happy in the service of the King.
I am happy, O so happy!
I have peace and joy that nothing else can bring,
In the service of the King.

In the service of the King
Every talent I will bring.
I have peace and joy and blessing
In the service of the King.

I am happy in the service of the King.
I am happy, O so happy!
Through the sunshine and the shadow I can sing,
In the service of the King.

I am happy in the service of the King.
I am happy, O so happy!
All that I possess to Him I gladly bring,
In the service of the King.

This link takes you to our Hawai'i home!

noreply@blogger.com (Mission Musings) — Sun, 31 May 2009 04:08:00 +0000

Walt Flood Realty, specializing in vacation rentals, condominium sales and property management in Honolulu and Waikiki, Hawaii.

This is the amazing view from our 14th floor Oahu studio condo.

We are thrilled and thankful to be gifted the month of June in a beautiful Hawai'i condo, right on the strip in Waikiki. Ken and I leave Monday and are packed and ready to go already! Another couple gifted us the plane fare, and yet another, spending money.

This 20th wedding anniversary will be one to remember!

Mahalo to our friends who made this possible, Shawna for house and cat-sitting, and all our co-labourers who will hold down the mission fort for us.

Enjoy the pictures - another link will get you to the outside of the building, for a shot of the pool and street area. We live in Foster Tower, which is the oldest condo in Hawai'i, and right above the fun, Cheeseburger in Paradise!

If you check out the Cheeseburger Earthcam attached to our building, you might just catch a glimpse of us giddily running back and forth across the street to the beach all day long!

I'm not sure I'll blog while we're away, but subscribe to my RSS feed to be sure you don't miss any of our adventures!

Aloha!

Mile High City Interview

noreply@blogger.com (Mission Musings) — Thu, 21 May 2009 12:58:00 +0000

I’m on an airplane to Denver right now, to attend the annual convention of the Association of Gospel Rescue Missions (AGRM). I’ve been up since 3:30 so forgive me if this lacks cohesiveness, or substance for that matter! I think I’ll do a self-interview, as a way to bring you all up to speed:

Me: What am I doing in Denver?
Also Me: I’m a board member of AGRM so I’ll be doing board meetings to prepare for the AGM. I’ll be teaching a seminar on “The Joy of Interns” as well as sitting on a panel discussion on affordable housing. It's a busy week.

Me: Are you travelling with your husband, and Director of Spiritual Life, Rev Ken Porter?
Also Me: No, he doesn’t travel well, dislikes conventions, and since 5 of our key church members are meeting me in Denver, someone had to stay back and man the fort.

Me: How IS the Good New Chapel doing?
Also Me: We are faced with the challenges of having a large congregation of addicts, mixed with “normies.” (non-addicts) In two years the church has grown to about 100, sometimes more. In that time, Pastor Ken has been able to take the Wednesday small group through a line by line study of the entire New Testament. We’ve seen baptisms and been blessed to get to know one another more intimately at our weekly potluck lunch. I love everything the Good News Chapel stands for.

Me: What are your plans for summer vacation?
Also Me: Well, we’ve been gifted a trip to Waikiki in Hawai’i for the month of June. We went last year, and thought it was a one time blessing. This was an amazing, last minute surprise. I love the “hub” of the strip, the parades, the nightly concerts, the fish, the cooling rooftop pool, the crashing waves of the ocean, and the “leave all your cares behind” feeling of stepping off that airplane into the tropics.

Me: You just had a big event, didn’t you?
Also Me: Yes, our 6th annual Love Your Neighbour Fund Raising Banquet and LifeChange Graduation Ceremony. 125 businesses, churches and individuals came together to sponsor the event. We grossed $100,000 through the generosity of the sponsors as well as the 660 people who attended!

Me: Who was your keynote speaker?
Also Me: We had Mike Yankoski, author of Under the Overpass, who gave a riveting address, encouraging each one of us to reach out to the poor and homeless by getting involved and giving to Souls Harbour Rescue Mission. He then presented a one year diploma to the LifeChange graduating class of 2009. It was a moving moment, seeing these 5 men and women on the stage, formerly homeless and addicted, now actively involved in their local church and community. What a complete transformation! I'll be sharing their stories on my blog later this summer.

Me: Anything special you`re looking forward to?
Also Me: Two things, actually. 1) My 20th wedding anniversary is this year. I’m pretty excited to have such an amazing trip to Hawai’i to celebrate. TWENTIETH! My parents have each had three marriages each, so how wonderful to break that painful cycle of divorce. God has been gracious. 2) 2010 is the Missions 20th anniversary, so we want to make it a Birthday Bash of a year. Stay tuned for upcoming events!

Michelle Porter is a Founding Director and CEO of Souls Harbour RESCUE Mission. She lives in Regina, Sask with her husband and aged cataract-eyed cat, Shadow.

Regina Council Says No To Charity

noreply@blogger.com (Mission Musings) — Tue, 28 Apr 2009 04:56:00 +0000

Please see my comments and consider writing a letter of support to our city council.

Tax abatement application denied

By Patrick Book

Regina's City Council is turning down a request for help from a charitable effort aimed at keeping the kids of Regina's North Central neighbourhood safe.

Michelle Porter is the Executive Director of the Souls Harbour Rescue Mission, a charitable effort that helps the poor and homeless. They've raised $1.8 million for a new youth centre and 60-space day care to be located in the heart of North Central on Dewdney and Athol Street, the former St Andrews United Church.

But the property's previous owner incurred more than $150,000 in overdue property taxes and penalties. Souls Harbour incurred those fees when they purchased the property and Council says it can't waive payment.

"Part of it was just a mistake as far as administration," clarifies Porter. "It was how we presented our documentation, I didn't go through the proper steps. So we're going to try again. We heard them say, 'Why don't you try some of the grants?' so I'll go back to the mission and take a look and see what's available for us."

Council members insist they have no qualms about the project or Souls Harbour, but they insist a dangerous precedent could be set if council starts forgiving taxes.The city administration will be working with Souls Harbour to ensure no further mistakes are made.

Can you do me a favour?

noreply@blogger.com (Mission Musings) — Tue, 28 Apr 2009 01:47:00 +0000

If you are in favour of the re-zoning of the old St. Andrews United Church on the corner of Dewdney and Athol, please email:

bmario@regina.ca and make reference to your support implementation of new zoning for a youth centre and daycare at 1475 Athol Street.

Thanks a bundle! Every positive comment helps!

Sask. volunteers awarded medals

noreply@blogger.com (Mission Musings) — Wed, 22 Apr 2009 06:21:00 +0000

A group of staff women went to cheer Beth on at the Legislature today.

We watched from the gallery and cheered our "here here" for our
volunteer of the year!

On the way out I had time for a quick pose as they awarded me "Premier for the Day" status:

Leader-Post
Annie McLeod

REGINA -- A group of Saskatchewan citizens received provincial recognition from the Lieutenant Governor during a ceremony at Government House on Tuesday.

Lt.-Gov. Gordon L. Barnhart presented eight people with the Saskatchewan Volunteer Medal for 2008, which recognizes outstanding volunteer service or exceptional community involvement.

"We know that Saskatchewan has the most volunteers of any province in Canada, and this is a time to celebrate eight particular people who have volunteered their time and their money and their energy to the people in Saskatchewan, and particularly their own local communities," said Barnhart.

The award recipients were nominated by the public and selected by the Saskatchewan Honours Advisory Council.

Regina residents Beth Ell and Ken Sagal were among the medal recipients. Sagal has been committed to cultural growth in the province, and among the many ways in which he has served the province was his instrumental role in the restructuring of the Saskatchewan Council of Cultural Organizations into SaskCulture.

Ell, who began her volunteer work at a young age, has worked to enhance the quality of life for others. She fundraises and runs programs, parties and events for sick and underprivileged children in the city.
"I just love (volunteer work). I work in an office, so what I do is volunteer work with children and in the soup kitchen ... it's totally different than my work," said Ell. "It's just so refreshing to be doing something different and working with people and seeing the changes in their lives ... just to try to make their day a little better."
Barnhart said the medals are a way for all the people of Saskatchewan to thank the recipients and encourage them to continue their good work in the community.

"It's also an example for other people in the community to say, 'Gee, look at ... so and so is doing this, well I should be out there helping as well,'" he said.

Saskatoon, John Ford of Gray, Ajay Krishan from Prince Albert, Camille I. Ross-Bell from Gravelbourg, Maurice Taylor of Tisdale, and Courtney Vaudner from Melville.

Business of the Year Congratulations Mission

noreply@blogger.com (Mission Musings) — Tue, 21 Apr 2009 00:14:00 +0000

Dear Ms. Porter:

We at Viterra would like to applaud Souls Harbour RESCUE Mission for being honoured at the 2009 Paragon Awards on April 2. It is clear that Regina has a vibrant business community full of talent, creativity, and ambition. Viterra is proud to be positioned among the outstanding companies that have been recognized for business excellence by the Regina & District Chamber of Commerce.

Congratulations for being the recipient of the New Business Venture award. May you have continued success in the future.

Sincerely,

Mayo Schmidt
President and Chief Executive Officer

Food Prices Rise

noreply@blogger.com (Mission Musings) — Fri, 17 Apr 2009 21:42:00 +0000

More people in Saskatchewan need help

NEWS TALK 980 CJME
Reported By Erin Slobodian
The latest inflation numbers show food is getting more and more expensive. Prices for fruits, veggies and other groceries jumped to 7.9 per cent in March. That's the highest rate in over two decades.

That may be why more people in Regina are having a tough time keeping food on the table. While the province is doing well during the economic turmoil some individuals are suffering.

There has been an increase in families needing help from Souls Harbour Rescue Mission. Executive Director Michelle Porter tells the Leader Post "when the rich get richer the poor get poorer."

The paper goes on to talk to the boss at the Regina Food Bank. Wayne Hellquist says food bank demand is rising but corporate donations are down. Recent statistics indicate 40 per cent more people are using food banks in Saskatoon.

Nationally, inflation is down to 1.2 per cent from the previous 1.4 per cent.

Needles Part of Spring Cleaning

noreply@blogger.com (Mission Musings) — Fri, 17 Apr 2009 20:28:00 +0000

Photograph by: Don Healy, Leader-Post files

Celebration Lutheran Church stopped by the Mission today to borrow our washrooms and our Sharps collector. Their young people were working on a North Central clean-up project, and spent the afternoon cleaning up garbage in the neighbourhood. They kept running into needles, which reminded me of the article in the Leader-Post a couple of days ago, parts of which are quoted below:

Regina Leader-Post
Adriana Christianson

REGINA -- Every spring, melting snow reveals hundreds of used needles left on the streets and in the parks of Regina.

Suzanne Nasewich, supervisor of communicable diseases with the health region, said the annual spring clean-up is part of Public Health Services' "Street Project." Last year, volunteers picked up 645 used needles found on public property. In previous years, this number has ranged from 500 to 1,000.

She said the number of used needles found outdoors always seem to increase in the spring simply due to snow melting. She noted that the targeted areas for the two-day spring clean-up will be North Central and the Core areas of Regina.

"The blanket has lifted and you can see what is there," Nasewich said, noting that used needles can be found in any neighbourhood and it is impossible to tell the difference between a needle used by a diabetic for medication and one used to inject drugs.

In addition to the spring clean-up, the health region also collected 14,196 needles in 2008, responding to calls from concerned residents. Also last year 18,005 used needles were left in drop-off boxes in three locations around Regina.

Angela Prawzick, spokeswoman for the Regina Fire Department, said in 2008 the department made 417 trips to pick-up needles around the city.

"If there is a discarded needle found on public property, or on private property accessible to the public, then we will respond if another organization is not able to respond," Prawzick said.

She said the fire department has been acting to combat this issue for 10 years and public awareness about used needles has increased since then, leading to more calls for safe disposal.

Discarded needles are generally perceived as a health hazard because they may carry blood-borne diseases such as HIV or hepatitis. However, Nasewich said outdoor elements would kill any diseases carried by a needle left out for even a few hours.

"The relative risk of acquiring a blood-borne disease like HIV, hepatitis B or hepatitis C from a discarded needle on the streets of Regina is approaching zero, it is very, very low," she said, citing national health studies which show no cases contracting these diseases from needles left outdoors.

Anyone who does sustain a needle stick injury should still seek emergency medical attention, according to Nasewich. She also advises anyone in this situation to wash the wound with warm water and let it bleed freely before going to an emergency room.

"People need to realize that they could be harmful, and should be handled with care," she said.

Anyone who finds discarded needles can contact the health region to determine the safest way to dispose of them. If residents are comfortable removing a needle on their own, they should stay clear of the sharp end, use tongs and place it into a hard-sided container with a lid. Nasewich referred to the city bylaw against throwing any used needles into regular garbage and said kits are also available from the health region to dispose of needles in private residences.

Anyone wishing to organize a community clean-up in the hood or North Central can feel free to use Souls Harbour RESCUE Mission as a stomping ground.

Working families hit hard by economy

noreply@blogger.com (Mission Musings) — Thu, 16 Apr 2009 20:08:00 +0000

The Regina Leader-Post
Annie McLeod

REGINA -- Souls Harbour Rescue Mission in Regina is reminding people to remember the poor, even though Saskatchewan's economy is relatively strong.

Michelle Porter, executive director of the mission, said the boom Saskatchewan has experienced has actually been detrimental to many less fortunate families.

"The rising cost of groceries and gas, and whatever else has been going up recently, has affected the working poor," she said. "People who used to ... barely make ends meet can no longer make ends meet."

Combined with an expansion in programs the mission offers, such as the women and family emergency shelter, there has been a change in the number and type of people coming to the mission for assistance.

Porter said that while the traditional type of people, such as those with life control problems, are still attending the mission, there has been an increase in the number of families coming in.

"We are seeing moms with their children and single dads, and even some intact families," she said.

A number of families coming to the mission have been evicted from their homes. Porter said they get evicted because their landlords will not fix the homes. Because of the lack of affordable housing in the city, the people have nowhere to go.

"When the rich get richer, the poor get poorer, and I just want to remind people that we're still open 365 days a year, serving 300 meals a day, and sleeping a hundred homeless people a night," said Porter.

Wayne Hellquist, CEO of the Regina and District Food Bank, said he has seen the same trend in terms of a larger number of people who can no longer afford the costs of living, despite good economic conditions. The trend at the food bank is mainly affecting the working poor, who are often chronically underemployed and earning minimum wage, as well as seniors on fixed incomes.

"As costs for housing go up, as costs for food supplies go up, and as costs for home heating and other essentials continue to rise, those people are impacted the most," said Hellquist. "There are many people who are benefiting greatly from the economy, but certainly those who were being challenged previously are probably more at risk today than they were previously."

Another challenge the food bank faces is that even though the number of people needing its support is increasing, there hasn't been a subsequent increase in cash donations. The food bank has actually seen a decrease in corporate support.

"We continue to be concerned about the issues, we continue to be concerned about the trends that we're seeing, and like Souls Harbour, we have limited capacity to be able to address increased demand without ongoing support from the public," said Hellquist.

Community Congratulations

noreply@blogger.com (Mission Musings) — Thu, 16 Apr 2009 16:22:00 +0000

Michelle,

Congratulations on receiving the New Business Venture Award from the 2009 Regina & District Chamber of Commerce Paragon Awards.

We wish you much success in your future endeavors.

Tom Robinson
Regional Managing Partner
KPMG

SOULS HARBOUR RESCUE MISSION JOINS IN RECORD SERVICES TO NEEDY

noreply@blogger.com (Mission Musings) — Wed, 15 Apr 2009 16:36:00 +0000

Souls Harbour RESCUE Mission -- 100,000 meals served!

Contact: Michelle Porter, Executive Director

SOULS HARBOUR RESCUE MISSION JOINS
IN RECORD SERVICES TO NEEDY

Uncertain economic times increases numbers
of hungry, homeless seeking assistance

Regina, SK April 15, 2009 – A slow economy, job losses, and home foreclosures are combining to cause hungry and homeless people to seek more help than ever before from North America’s rescue missions, according to a study by the Association of Gospel Rescue Missions (AGRM). In 2008, AGRM member missions provided 48.4 million meals—enough to feed the entire population of Texas twice—an increase of 5.9 percent from the previous year.

In Regina, Souls Harbour RESCUE Mission served nearly 100,000 meals in 2008, a similar number from the previous year.

“We’ve seen different types of people coming to the mission for help,” said Souls Harbour RESCUE Mission Executive Director Michelle Porter. “Many more homeless families and working poor are coming to our door for a meal or emergency shelter. Depending on which financial expert you listen to, we might expect the 2009 numbers to increase as well.”

In 2008, AGRM member organizations, including Souls Harbour RESCUE Mission, offered 16.9 million nights of lodging, distributed 21.4 million pieces of clothing, and handed out 4.2 million furniture items to people in need. AGRM members reported exceeding previous highs in nearly all service categories. The Mission provided 36,100 nights lodging, and gave out over 9000 pieces of clothing.

“Rescue missions reported about a 6 percent increase in social services in 2008 over 2007,” said John Ashmen, executive director of AGRM. “Our member missions are accustomed to responding when times get tough. An economic slump only increases the need in the community.”

Ashmen praised the support local communities offered to AGRM member ministries. Twice as many missions reported growth in cash donations as those that experienced a decrease in giving last year.

“Even in tough times, total cash donations to rescue missions increased by 3 percent during 2008,” Ashmen said.

Porter said, “People in need just keep coming to our doors. Now is the time for the community to step up and support Souls Harbour RESCUE Mission. Some folks must restrict spending—we understand that—but please don’t cut back on generosity. Every gift makes a difference.”

Founded in 1913, the Kansas City-based Association of Gospel Rescue Missions represents about 270 rescue missions in communities across North America. AGRM exists to proclaim the passion of Jesus toward the hungry, homeless, abused, and addicted; and to accelerate quality and effectiveness in member missions.

Souls Harbour RESCUE Mission is a full service social service agency which exsists to rescue people from poverty, addiction and despair. They work hard 365 days a year to feed, clothe and shelter the poor and needy in Regina and extending throughout the province. They also offer a one-year recovery program for those with addictions and other life-controlling problems. They are the proud recipient of the 2009 Paragon Award for Best New Business Venture, reflecting the merger of two of the cities most significant charities that serve the poor and homeless.

To volunteer, or for more information, please go to www.shrm.ca or call 543-0011.

###

Four-course meal for 600

noreply@blogger.com (Mission Musings) — Mon, 13 Apr 2009 13:38:00 +0000

The Regina Leader-Post
Jana Pruden

What does it take to feed 600 people? Try 50 turkeys, 250 pounds of potatoes, 144 heads of romaine lettuce, four buckets of salad dressing, 80 litres of gravy and a veritable sea of rice pudding -- with piles of dinner rolls and torrents of juice and coffee on the side.

Such was the spectacular spread at Souls Harbour Rescue Mission on Saturday, as hundreds of hungry people and dozens of devoted volunteers flocked to the charity's annual Easter Dinner.

Before the doors of the Good News Chapel had even opened late Saturday morning, a crowd of people -- both volunteers and guests -- were gathered outside, excitedly awaiting the Easter weekend event.

Dinner was served as a four-course sit down meal, which Christos Lygouriatis, owner of Melrose Place North, said was an important part of the experience.

"It's a real blessing to really enjoy a holiday dinner," said Lygouriatis, who has co-ordinated the massive meal for the past four years. "It's not a rush dinner. It's for people to spend time with their families, to sit down together and enjoy the hospitality of Souls Harbour and have a hearty meal."

Michelle Porter, who started the Rescue Mission side of the organization with her husband nine years ago, said the holiday dinners are for people in need -- whether they are financially poor, struggling with difficult issues, or simply searching for a sense of community and fellowship.

Pat McCormack found himself on the steps of the Rescue Mission in dire need of help little more than a year ago. After completing the organization's LifeChange Program, McCormack is clean, sober and helping in the Souls Harbour kitchen as a part of a mentorship training program. Now considering a career as a cook, McCormack was soaking it all in on Saturday-- and said he'd already learned the key to cooking dinner for several hundred: "Always make enough."

Spending two years homeless in Alberta, Vicki Zaremba used to rely on soup kitchens for help. She is now doing better, working, and living in Regina, but says she knows firsthand how difficult things can be.

"There are definitely a lot of people that need to eat," said Zaremba, who stopped by the dinner to visit her mother, who was serving at the event. "You don't get anything on welfare, and when you pay the bills there's not a lot left."

Standing outside the chapel shortly before lunch with her four-year-old daughter, a young woman named Sheena also expressed her gratitude for the hot holiday meal.

"I know I appreciate it and I think a lot of other people do, too, because there's a lot of people in there," she said.

Regina Helps The Needy This Easter

noreply@blogger.com (Mission Musings) — Sun, 12 Apr 2009 01:25:00 +0000

Over 600 meals were served

Reported By Justin Blackwell

A community coming together this Easter.

And over 600 people are thankful.

Souls Harbour Rescue Mission hosted an easter dinner Saturday for the needy in Regina.

Executive Director for Souls Harbour Rescue Mission Michelle Porter says the day is a bright one for so many.

"We sure do find that spirits and moods are up and lifted at these events. And the volunteers are a big help in lifting the spirits of people."

Murray Hack is one of those volunteers.

"There are so many amazing people that come through these doors. I love getting to know the different folks that are here."

Melrose Place North provided the food.

Souls Harbour Rescue Mission has provided clothing, shelter, and food for 19 years.

It's never too late to help!

noreply@blogger.com (Mission Musings) — Sat, 11 Apr 2009 16:09:00 +0000

It's not too late to make a donation towards the Easter Dinner Campaign. $2.58 sponsors one meal, and we're serving over 600 of them today!

If you prefer to give in another way, or in addition to financially, please show up at 2:00 this afternoon in your work clothes to help clean up! Ask for Aaron and hope to see you at the Good News Chapel, on the corner of 8th & Elphinstone in North Central.

Media Release: Easter Saturday Dinner for the Homeless

noreply@blogger.com (Mission Musings) — Fri, 10 Apr 2009 15:23:00 +0000

MEDIA ADVISORY FOR Saturday April 11, 2009
11:30 a.m.

CONTACT: Derrick Moore
PHONE: 737-3099

SOULS HARBOUR RESCUE MISSION TO HOST EASTER DINNER FOR THE POOR

600 MEALS TO BE SERVED

****

WHO: SOULS HARBOUR RESCUE MISSION partners with MELROSE PLACE NORTH to cook a full Easter meal for the needy men, women, and children in our community

WHAT: TURKEY AND STUFFING with vegetables, mashed potatoes, and white gravy, Caesar salad, buns and butter, and rice pudding.

WHEN: Saturday, April, 11th, 2009 11:30 a.m

WHERE: Good News Chapel - 1380 Elphinstone St. on the corner of 8th Ave.

WHY: We want to bless the needy with gifts, entertainment, friendship and a delicious meal, because we are blessed and we need to share the joy and hope we have.

****

PHOTO / INTERVIEW OPPORTUNITIES:

*His Worship, Mayor Pat Fiacco

*HEATHER PROSAK AND BRAD GRASS FROM THE DOGS BREAKFAST RADIO SHOW ON 92.7 FM

*Chris and Tysia Lygourtiatis, owners of Melrose Place North, are providing meals for up to 600 men, women, and children!

*Michael Cassano president of the Regina Multicultural Council, who faithfully brings himself and their members to serve at all our large dinners

****

FREE GIFTS FOR: ADULTS AND CHILDREN AND LIVE MUSIC!!!

BACKGROUND: Souls Harbour RESCUE mission has been feeding, clothing and sheltering the needy for 19 years. Come join in blessing our community. It will touch your heart and the hearts of others.

#########

Free Easter Dinner

noreply@blogger.com (Mission Musings) — Thu, 09 Apr 2009 14:51:00 +0000

The Leader-Post

Souls Harbour Rescue Mission is presenting a free Easter dinner on Saturday.

The dinner is to be served at 11:30 a.m. at the Good News Chapel, 1380 Elphinstone St. Gifts and toys will be provided to take home.

Live music will be provided by Kathy Depko.

Partners In Motion

noreply@blogger.com (Mission Musings) — Wed, 08 Apr 2009 23:48:00 +0000

To: The Souls Harbour Rescue Mission

Congratulations on winning the "New Business Venture" Paragon Award.

From: The Staff at Partners in Motion

Mission Receives Paragon Award

noreply@blogger.com (Mission Musings) — Wed, 08 Apr 2009 02:54:00 +0000

Correction

...an error appeared in the story headlined "Viterra wins top award" on Page D1 of Saturday's edition. Souls Harbour RESCUE Mission received the Paragon award for New Business Venture from the Regina & District Chamber of Commerce.

© Copyright (c) The Regina Leader-Post

Delighted by award

noreply@blogger.com (Mission Musings) — Wed, 08 Apr 2009 02:46:00 +0000

Souls Harbour Rescue Mission is truly blessed to have received the Paragon Award for "New Business Venture" from the Regina and District Chamber of Commerce. The award was presented to reflect the highly successful merger of Souls Harbour and Regina Rescue Mission.

Merging two charities is as complex as merging two companies -- we are thankful our two teams are happily functioning as one, to serve more than 90,000 meals per year and sleep 100 people per night. We are also pleased to work with 50 men, women and their children in an intense one-year addictions recovery program.

Michelle Porter

Porter is executive director, Souls Harbour Rescue Mission.

Regina

© Copyright (c) The Regina Leader-Post