“Feeding the people”
Did you know that every Thursday at the Central Saanich campus of the Saanich Baptist Church (on Wallace across from Centennial Park) that volunteers gather to distribute free food to anyone who needs it?
No questions asked! If you say you need food you are welcome to do a little “shopping” and in the process receive a kind word and a warm smile.
The Neighbourhood Market is organized by the Living Edge. They have been providing food for those who need it since 2011. It started as an initiative of the Anglican Church but has expanded to become a multi-denominational service. They have just recently expanded to Central Saanich.
Spread the word!
It has been a long time since my Sunday School days. But, from both the maternal and paternal sides of my family the value of feeding the people is very strong. My grandparents Don and Phyllis were the kind of people that would bring hungry, homeless people home with them. They would provide them food and a place to rest. It was nourishment for empty bellies and the soul.
This was the spirit that I felt when I joined my friends and neighbours from Central Saanich to share and re-distribute the food they had gathered.
And, they want the community to know they are there and ready to help!
Strengthening the social fabric
In addition to visiting the Neighbourhood Market, I had the opportunity to meet with a half dozen faith leaders from the Saanich Peninsula.
We discussed our collective work and how we can help each other in providing the critical services that strengthen the social fabric of our communities.
The genesis of this conversation was with the BC Legislative Assembly Chaplain, Jason Goertzen. Jason occupies the little known office very well. I am so thankful for the times that he has sat with me to provide a compassionate ear and kind word of encouragement.
I look forward to continue to working with faith and non-governmental service groups of all kinds in Saanich North and the Islands to increase the supports in our communities for any, and all, who need it.
What a great thing happening here. Keeps good food out of the garbage and in tummies where it belongs!