Aid to Humanity held in Manitoba and Edmonton
By ERIC PEREY and MARK ANDRO MILAN
Date Posted: August 12, 2021
Two ecclesiastical districts in Canada commemorated 107th anniversary of the Church Of Christ by, among others, holding Aid to Humanity.
Brethren from the Ecclesiastical District of Manitoba held the humanitarian event on July 27, the very day of the Church’s anniversary, in four cities namely, Regina, North Battleford, and Prince Albert in Saskatchewan, and Winnipeg in Manitoba. Those from the Ecclesiastical District of Edmonton meanwhile conducted their charitable activity in Manning, Alberta on July 31.
Manitoba
In Manitoba, the district supervising minister, Brother Sidney Santos, led the distribution of relief packages, which contained several non-perishable products including canned goods, cup noodles, and sanitary items.
Brother Sidney Santos, said, “This is what our Executive Minister, Brother Eduardo V. Manalo, always teaches us—to help the community, especially in their time of need.”
Among the recipients were the three non-profit organizations, North Point Douglas Women’s Centre (NPDWC) in Winnipeg, Manitoba, and The Lighthouse Supported Living Inc. in North Battleford, and North Central Family Centre in Regina, both in Saskatchewan, which would in turn distribute them to their respective beneficiaries.
“Donations like you are bringing are really going to help. Our room in the back was completely empty like we have nothing. And you came, so it was really a God-sent. We thank you for that,” expressed Charlotte Roulette, a coordinator at NPDWC.
Another NPDWC volunteer coordinator, Ashley Knight, added: “We help with things like activities for families, lot of [which] are living under the poverty line, are not even [able] to afford things ... Thank you so much for thinking of our organization. A lot of people pass over organizations like this because they may not know exactly what we do. But there’s a real need for things like this, so thank you so much.”
Judy Armstrong, The Lighthouse’s manager, said of the Church’s aid, “It’ll help tremendously, especially the water, it’s so hot outside, it [water] is expensive. We’re non-profit, watching our pennies—all that water is just a blessing. Thank you from the bottom of my heart. It’s overwhelming. Your kindness is wonderful. It is so nice to see good people in this world who still help.”
Also present was Mr. Kevin Lamoureux, Member of Parliament for Winnipeg North, Canada. “Here in the area of Point Douglas, which is virtually in the center of Canada, is an area of high need. There’s a great deal of poverty ... really needs to show love. Church Of Christ is doing just that,” he said.
Edmonton
On July 31, Manning, Alberta welcomed the Church Of Christ’s outreach program held at the Royal Canadian Legion building. It was the first time Aid to Humanity took place in the town.
Mayor Greg Rycroft, Métis representative Doug Trembley, and Food Bank representative Kim Sheehan graced the occasion, during which health and safety measures were observed.
The district supervising minister, Brother Voltaire Tamisin, led the activity, which opened with a video presentation featuring the Church’s various projects and endeavors dedicated to their fellowmen.
Aside from monetary donations to the Métis Nation of Alberta, the district handed over to the town’s residents more than 400 boxes of non-perishable items and more than 300 relief packages donated by the brethren from Edmonton.
Nilda Greschner, head of the Filipino community in Manning, said, “We’re so proud that you have chosen our town to reach out to us. Thank you so much.”
“This brings the community together. What you have done is fantastic,” Métis representative Doug Trembley, added.
Mayor Greg Rycroft said, “It makes a difference. Actually the food bank has shortage of food most times, so this [aid] will help immensely.” — With reports from INC News Section
