William Booth Society Luncheon a success!

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by British Columbia
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Last week, Vancouver’s Annual William Booth Society Luncheon was held at the prestigious Vancouver Club. Those invited to the William Booth Society Luncheon exemplify philanthropic leadership in our community.

This year, The Salvation Army welcomed Her Honour, The Honourable Judith Guichon, Lieutenant Governor of British Columbia. She expressed her appreciation for the work of The Salvation Army by saying, “none of this can happen without resources and it takes a great deal of resources to help 1.8 million people in a year. It takes energy and dollars. The Army is just that, a veritable multitude of wonderful volunteers but all the volunteers in the world will not be able to provide a meal for the hungry without good nutritious food to prepare, and shelter from the elements requires building, blankets and beds. That is where you folks have stepped up and helped to provide the resources to keep the engine of this volunteer organization purring. It could not happen without your leadership and compassionate dedication. All of our communities would be far sadder places and a lot less safe for many, many vulnerable people without you.”

Additionally, Divisional Commander for British Columbia, Lt. Colonel Larry Martin, honoured two long term supporters of The Salvation Army for their passion and commitment with the Order of Distinguished Auxiliary Service award.

Both George and Tom’s distinguished service has helped to further the work of The Salvation Army throughout British Columbia and the Territory.

George Hungerford has been a board member over 30 years, and has been instrumental in providing guidance and direction in community engagement through corporations and individuals, government liaising and building relations, fundraising, promoting and investing in work of The Salvation Army. The commitment of his family is generational from his grandfather to his son serving on Advisory Boards and Community Councils.  George expressed in response to receiving the award, “what an honour considering the time and effort of others in the community who help The Salvation Army. I am humbled by this recognition.”

Tom Skidmore has been a board member for over 20 years, and has been Board Chair for over 10 of them. “Giving back” is extremely important to Tom. Tom chaired The Salvation Army in British Columbia’s $18 million “Circle of Caring Capital Campaign” in the early 2000’s.  Shares Tom, “with appreciation and gratitude, it is an honour for me to accept The Salvation Army’s Order of Distinguished Auxiliary Service Award as a Canadian recipient.  The Salvation Army is a global social services organization, but yet community-centric and working together with staff and community volunteers who unselfishly and holistically serve the physical, emotional, and spiritual needs of others, efficiently and effectively and with excellence.”

In 2002, George and Tom initiated the now annual Hope in the City Breakfast, grossing $330,000+ Red Shield dollars in 2013 with over 1000 influential business people in attendance. Hope in the City has become the corporate community’s single largest event to support the work of The Salvation Army in the Greater Vancouver area; and annual Hope in the City events have since spread to other major cities across Canada.
This award is the highest and most prestigious award that The Salvation Army can bestow, and is given in recognition of meritorious service rendered in support of our mission and programs. This award can only be granted by the General upon the recommendation of the Territorial Commander.

In grateful recognition of the outstanding leadership and dedicated service over many years toward the advancement of the work and mission of The Salvation Army, we were honoured to present the Order of Distinguished Auxiliary Service and wish to Thank George and Tom for all they continue to do in furthering the work of The Salvation Army in British Columbia.