Giving Chill the Boot in God’s Lake Narrows

God’s Lake Narrows, MB – Imagine trying to escape a fire in your bare feet during winter weather and deep snow.  For more than 300 students in God’s Lake Narrows, this was a very real possibility.  Without proper footwear, the students at God’s Lake Narrows First Nation School were unable to participate in regular fire drills during the winter.  Due to the high costs of purchasing proper footwear for school, most students went about the school in their stocking feet.

After visiting God’s Lake Narrows earlier in the fall, The Salvation Army returned with a plane load of winter coats, toys for Christmas and school sneakers.  In corresponding with the school, and in partnership with The Thomas Sill Foundation, The Salvation Army Weetamah Community and Family Services, and The Salvation Army National Recycling Operation, The Salvation Army obtained the information, personnel and the much needed financial support to return to God’s Lake Narrows to furnish every child with a new pair of shoes. Also, as the return trip took place the last week of school before Christmas break, The Salvation Army supplied enough toys for every student as well as supplies to the school for those students.

“The response from the community of God’s Lake Narrows was overwhelming,” states Mark Young, Ministry Director of The Salvation Army Weetamah Centre, “Over 300 students met us in the gymnasium to thank us for the generosity of The Salvation Army and its supporters, such as The Thomas Sill Foundation, in making sure they were properly clothed for the winter and had proper footwear for school.”

During the visit, Young and Jeffrey Hamel, Weetamah Centre’s Community and Family Services Coordinator, toured a beautiful, well-kept school.  It was evident that the students and teachers were proud of their school building.  At lunch time, the community treated both to a specially prepared feast.  Gifts were presented and stories of how the community was working together to care for one another were shared.

“It was very evident to us how dedicated the members of the community were to each other,” says Hamel, “however, they shared with us that they were not always able to assist a lot as they all face similar hardships with costs and availability.  The changing of the seasons is particularly difficult on the community, especially during the spring melt and winter freeze.”

At the conclusion of the visit, the community extended an open invitation to The Salvation Army to visit again.  Lines of communication have been opened and The Salvation Army has committed to assist whenever possible with whatever assistance is it able to offer. For now, The Salvation Army and its supporters have helped give the cold and chill the boot with warm clothing and new footwear.

“The Salvation Army has become a part of the story of hope in this community by coming along side to offer assistance and to walk with them in hardship,” states Hamel. “We were there to give, but we were also given so much in return.”

If you would like to support The Salvation Army in Giving Hope Today, please call (204) 975-1033 or make your donation online here:  www.salvationarmy.ca/donate.