Dawson Creek, B.C. is located about 717 miles north of Vancouver and has a population of just over 11,000.

The Salvation Army commenced its work in Dawson Creek in 1943. Major C.C. Clitheroe arrived with a tambourine and some hymnbooks. He held an open-air meeting on his first Saturday night in town. A cabin was loaned to him for his own sleeping accommodation and with the pledged support of the Town Councilors and businessmen, the work of The Salvation Army began.

Today, Captains Roger and Frances Lee, Pastors, are responsible for the work of The Salvation Army in Dawson Creek.

When they arrived three years ago, there were no children attending Sunday school or church services. This disturbed the Lee’s. “We started a kid’s club on Wednesday nights to meet the children of the community,” says Frances. Children ages 3-12 attend.

Snacks are provided at the end of the evening and when they first began the program, most kids asked for more to eat. The kids came hungry.

Now full meals are prepared at kid’s club. The children love the hot dogs, spaghetti, tacos, rice, hamburgers and Sloppy Joes that are made for them. Kentucky Fried Chicken donates chicken each week as well. There is always desert consisting of cake, cookies, pudding or ice cream. Lots of food is made as most children take the leftovers home to hungry siblings.

Now 30-40 children come weekly to the club. More adult help is needed to accommodate more kids. The kids are encouraged to attend church and there are 20 attending Sunday school.

“They come hungry on Sunday’s as well,” says Frances. We give them breakfast, milk and juice. This helps them sit still during the first part of the service.” Children are facing ultimate reality─hunger.

Although the leadership of The Salvation Army in Dawson Creek has been under the direction of many pastors since 1943 it continues to provide services, through a variety of ministries, to the community regardless of race, color, creed, age or gender.