Community Easter Egg Hunt and S.O.U.P program brings out hundreds in Kentville

by Maritime
Categories: News Archive
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    Children were abuzz with excitement over the Easter weekend as they participated in the 2nd annual Easter Egg Hunt at Kentville Community Church.  Over 250 people attended the event which also included crafts, games, food and a colouring contest.  Corps Officers Ltns. Joshua and Joyce Downer started the event last year to help those who are struggling financially over the Easter season, and to continue to build a sense of community in the town of Kentville. 

    “It is a great opportunity to reach out to our community and our neighbours, to let them know we are here, and to share the love of Jesus and the hope of Easter with them,” says Joyce.IMG_2997

    Also happening at the church was the Share Our Urban Produce (S.O.U.P) program that began last summer as a partnership between The Salvation Army and the Canadian Mental Health Association.  The program volunteers cook soup every Saturday morning and donate it to local community groups.  Jessica Grace, a volunteer since December, helps prepare the food as a way to give back to others.

    “I come on Saturday mornings because I enjoy it,” says Jessica.  “I sometimes experience anxiety and volunteering in the S.O.U.P program helps me get out of the house and meet new people. “

    Participants were encouraged to take home an “Ugly Food” bag from the S.O.U.P program that was filled with produce that gets wasted because of the way it looks.  Nadia and Renee Gerrits, owners of Henny Penny’s Farm Market in New Minas, generously donate the food, in an effort to combat hunger in the area.  IMG_2974