Commissioners William and Marilyn Francis made the most of their time during a visit to London, Ontario, on Monday, May 12, 2008 by visiting all three social service facilities in the city as well as enjoying lunch with over 300 guests at the Annual Advisory Board Luncheon.

The day began with a visit to the Centre of Hope (Majors Neil and Dale Lewis), a 285-bed facility located in the heart of downtown London which provides Community and Family Services, Withdrawal Management, Housing Support, Emergency Response, Chaplaincy Services, VON/Salvation Army Health and Social Services medical clinic as well as hostel beds for men, women and youth. The Centre of Hope responds to the physical, emotional and spiritual needs of its residents in hopes of helping individuals realize a new beginning in life.

During a tour of this facility, Commissioner William Francis dedicated a statue of Christ clothed as a beggar but clearly identifiable by the nail scars in His hands. This unique statue serves to honour the hundreds of generous donors who helped to make the Centre of Hope a reality by supporting the Sheltering Hope Capital Campaign.

The territorial leaders then moved on to visit the Bethesda Centre (Major Debra Beaupre), a home for teenage girls and their babies. Donations to the Sheltering Hope Capital Campaign also helped to enhance the ministry at Bethesda by providing for the construction of eight apartment units that offer a semi-independent living program for the moms following the birth of their child as well as a new child care facility for the little ones. They are able to stay in their apartment until the baby is two years old and during this time, they continue to receive staff support and instruction in parenting and life skills, which prepare them for their transition back to the community.

Then it was on to the London Convention Centre to share in the Annual Advisory Board Luncheon which is held each spring in partnership with the London Rotary Club. The inspiring music of Jubilee Brass, the Ontario Great Lakes Divisional Seniors’ Band (Bandmaster Jim Gordon), greeted the Commissioners upon their arrival. Civic leaders, Rotarians, and other local dignitaries, brought greetings to the crowd and offered words of support and gratitude for the strong ministry of The Salvation Army in the city of London. Commissioner William Francis responded with an address entitled “Giving Hope Today”, referring to the hope which is offered to the disenfranchised by Salvation Army officers and lay personnel in 115 countries of the world. Making mention of the fact that London, Ontario, was the birthplace of The Salvation Army in Canada back in 1882, the Commissioner expressed heartfelt thanks to those who continue to minister on behalf of the Army here in this city.

And then to round off their day in London, the Commissioners presided over the official opening of the new Child Care Facility at The Salvation Army London Village (Major Cyril Janes). Again the sounds of Jubilee Brass filled the air. Many of the children and staff also came outside to take part in the excitement and festivities of this joyous occasion. Again, many political and civic leaders were in attendance and brought greetings and best wishes on behalf of the province and the city. Architect David Murphy, whose father designed the original Village buildings, presented a donation of four stained glass windows representing the seasons of ‘growth’ realized in the lives of children.

To add to the great celebrations, The Salvation Army flag waved proudly atop London City Hall throughout the day!