Donation Expands Resource Centres
As The Salvation Army celebrates the one-year anniversary of its Dignity Project, a generous $3 million donation from The W. Garfield Weston Foundation is making it possible to promote dignity for years to come.
Named after the late Barbara Mitchell, daughter of Garfield Weston, The Salvation Army Barbara Mitchell Family Resource Centres in Winnipeg and Calgary will provide a broad range of integrated services that will support families struggling to overcome adversity.
In Winnipeg, Salvation Army programs commenced operation in the new facility in March, with an official opening scheduled for late summer. The generous grant from The W. Garfield Weston Foundation will cover a portion of the construction costs of the new Centre, as well as enable the Centre to provide enhanced youth programming, operate during evenings and weekends, and introduce a new Seniors Outreach program.
In Calgary, The Salvation Army Barbara Mitchell Family Resource Centre will enhance its current Community and Family Services, as well as introduce new programming. The renovated Centre will allow the Army to expand its Global Café program, introduce a Community Kitchen program, and provide much needed computer equipment and staffing for the establishment of a new Employment and Educational Resource Centre.
About Barbara Mitchell
Barbara was born in Toronto, the third of nine children of Garfield and Reta Weston. She loved to laugh, to sing, and to learn. She attended a variety of schools, graduating from Stanford University and receiving diplomas in teaching and music from the University of London. Barbara and Dr. Robert Mitchell married, raised six children and were never happier than when surrounded by family and friends.
Barbara took particular pleasure in the company of small children and unassuming, genuine people. She found the best in everyone and every situation. She lived her life true to her beliefs and according to her deeply held Christian faith. Especially during adversity the essence of her character was revealed: throughout her life she chose to be positive, courageous and hopeful.
