Mr. Speaker, 100 years ago, an outpost of the Salvation Army was established in Chilliwack. Its mission was to share the love of Jesus Christ, to meet human needs and to be a transforming influence in the community. Today, the Salvation Army's Care and Share Centre operates a multitude of social service programs, including a food bank, homeless shelter, soup kitchen, thrift store and homeless outreach program.
To celebrate its 100th anniversary, the Salvation Army launched a “March to $1 Million” fundraising campaign, which will help purchase food to keep up with soaring demand, upgrade aging facilities and provide even more support to those needing help in our community.
Many people in Chilliwack are hurting, with a growing population of hungry and homeless people. Food bank usage has increased by over 40% in the last year alone. The needs in our community have never been greater.
The Salvation Army has been there for Chilliwack for the last 100 years. I ask all who can to support them now so that they can continue to do their life-giving work in our community.