Update: Salvation Army & Olympic Torch Relay

by British Columbia
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torchrelaycru1An update from Sharon Tidd
Vancouver/Whistler 2010 Olympic Outreach Coordinator

Loads of laughter and smiles, a little pomp and ceremony, continuous music and dance … these are the elements that make up a Torch Relay Celebration.  At least that’s what I experienced first-hand in early November.  In each community, it has been about celebrating how blessed we are to live in this amazing country called Canada and about celebrating local heroes who make our cities and communities great.  The Olympic Torch Relay Celebrations have brought communities together in unprecedented ways and The Salvation Army has been thrilled to play a small role in making these celebrations happen.

Already, we have served beverages (and, in some cases, eats too) from Salvation Army canteen trucks in communities across BC, Newfoundland and New Brunswick as the Torch has traveled through.  I was able to help out in five of these communities and every volunteer agreed it was great to be at the centre of the community celebration.  In BC, even the cold, damp weather couldn’t keep people away.  The hot chocolate and coffee that we served was a welcome surprise, and a nice way to warm up cold hands.  This was likely even more pronounced in the Maritimes!  Check out the photos — the line-ups speak for themselves.

In some communities our involvement went further.  At Memorial University in St. John’s Newfoundland, the student campus ministries hosted a free Skate Day for international students as the Torch came through.  In a couple of communities, we were able to provide brass ensembles to entertain the crowds.  Some of our ministry units also hosted special mock-Olympics for their kids’ programs. In many communities along the way our unique Olympics edition of Faith & Friends was made available to people.  And, of course, we know that many have been praying God’s blessing on the celebration communities as the Torch came through.

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As the Torch continues its journey back across Ontario and the Canadian Prairies and through BC, we’ll be actively involved in many communities.  Look for our canteen at the main celebration sites.  We’ll also be offering more of those unique activities (ice-hockey and floor-hockey tournaments, mock-Relays, mock-Olympics, anti-trafficking informational events) in many cities.

I can’t put into words the excitement and energy that pervades the Torch Relay Celebrations.  From the youngest infant to the oldest adult, you will witness a pure sense of joy.  This is good, family-friendly fun that embraces everyone.  And who doesn’t need some of that?  If you haven’t planned to take in your community’s event, do!  And if your community isn’t holding a celebration, create your own while the Torch is in the area.  We do have so much to be thankful for in this nation.