Breakfast outlines journey From Uncertainty to Hope

WINNIPEG, MB – From Uncertainty to Hope.  This simple sentence describes the journey for many refugees and immigrants who come to Canada.  It was also the theme of this year's 11th Annual Salvation Army Hope in the City Breakfast.  Over four hundred guests were on hand at the RBC Convention Centre to hear the stories of newcomers to Canada and how The Salvation Army has helped bring hope to their journey.

Keynote speaker this year was Abel Fisha, a young man born and raised in Asmara, Eritrea, Africa in 1986 who grew up in Sudan.  Abel has been no stranger to conflict.  In 2011, he was given the opportunity to immigrate to Canada, leaving behind his friends and family.  This move would prove to be a bittersweet one for him, with opportunity in front of him, and all he had known behind him.

Arriving in Winnipeg in September 2011, he immediately got his first taste of snow, remarking that it felt "like soft, cold cotton" on his face and he quickly realized he would need some help in this new, cold land far away from the support of his family.  After getting a job to support himself, and on a suggestion from a friend, he registered with the The Salvation Army's LEEP (Life & Employability Enhancement Program).

"I was lucky to be part of it.  Amazing place.  I got to learn new things every day – I was proud of myself to adapt to a new culture.  To be ready to work and be a hard worker, I got the tools from LEEP (…)  I will always be grateful for how my life has been changing and improving over the last few years. ”

Abel is now successfully employed as a Day Program Supervisor and has been able to develop supportive relationships and networks throughout his new community.

Abel's interview was conducted by LEEP Team Leader Majorie Kelly, and the mutual respect for what each gave and received through the program was palpable.  LEEP changes lives.  Also providing a glimpse into immigrant experiences were Innocent Kwenda, who spoke of moving to Canada from Africa and Vida Faustino, a health-care worker originally from the Philippines.  Both speakers are now employed with different facets of The Salvation Army in Winnipeg.

Major Les Marshall, Territorial Public Relations & Development Director for The Salvation Army in Canada, was on hand to present retiring Winnipeg Advisory Board Chair Aaron Margolis with a certificate of appreciation and gratitude for his years of dedication.

Gord Leclerc and Maralee Caruso were generous enough to give of their time again to host the breakfast for the third consecutive year, bringing news that Bell Media was again pleased to partner with The Salvation Army and the Toy Mountain campaign, through which Winnipeggers can help to put a smile on a child's face this Christmas.

Announcement was also made of a toy drive that will be held at Polo Park on December 4th and 5th, where an actual mountain will be built out of the donated toys.

 

Jason Floyde of Scotiabank presented a cheque in the amount of $25,000, carrying on their corporate collaboration and commitment to the annual toy campaign.  They also pledged continued volunteer support from Scotiabank employees and reminded the guests that they could make a donation of new, unwrapped toys at any Scotiabank location in Winnipeg or Selkirk, Winnipeg Fire Station, Police Station, or The Salvation Army Thrift Store.

You can make your own contribution to changing a child’s life in Winnipeg, by making a donation online at ToyMountain.ca or bring a new, unwrapped toy to any of our Toy Mountain drop-off locations or events.

Premier Greg Selinger launched the annual Christmas Kettle Campaign, making the first donation following his address at the breakfast.  The target for the kettle campaign in Winnipeg this year has been set at $351,000 and bell-ringers are out at 32 locations throughout Winnipeg.  Funds raised from the kettles directly support programs and services within the city to help give hope and dignity year-round to Winnipeggers in need.

Event Coordinator Tsungai Muvingi was pleased with the turnout at this year's breakfast remarking, "The breakfast was a great success. We were able to actively engage our guests and share how The Salvation Army is working with immigrants and refugees in our community to find hope.  With the support of our sponsors, donors and volunteers, we were able to emphasize that 'With you, we can.'" 

Visit www.fillthekettle.com, or call 1-800-SAL-ARMY for more information on giving through The Salvation Army.