Barrie Launches Kettle Campaign at Hope in the City Breakfast
200 guests attending The Salvation Army’s 8TH annual Hope in the City Breakfast in Barrie made their way on a beautiful crisp morning to Liberty North on November 15th, to help The Salvation Army kick-off its annual Christmas Kettle Campaign. Inside, guests were treated to festive music by My Favourite Strings jazz trio, while they enjoyed piping hot apple cider.
Jeffrey Robertson, Area Director for Public Relations and Development reprised the role of Master of Ceremonies, and expressed his desire that all in attendance leave better people for having come. Special guests included Ted Handy, Chair of The Salvation Army Barrie Bayside Mission Community Council, Monique Vaillancourt, President of the Kempenfelt Rotary Club, and His Worship, Mayor Jeff Lehman, City of Barrie.
A highlight of the event was the address by Keynote speaker Dion Oxford, voice for the homeless and advocate for the poor. His comments about homelessness and poverty were timely as the cost of living in Barrie continues to rise. Dion spoke on the importance of community – to alleviate loneliness and to combat poverty. As he spoke, the room was incredibly silent as everyone listened.
A special feature of the breakfast program was the acknowledgment of two special volunteers who have given so much time to serving through The Salvation Army: Ruby Horvath, who has given over 20 years of volunteer serve at the Thrift Store; and Kay Bogart, who serves tirelessly at the Army’s Community Kitchen. The volunteers sit at the Jack Delcourt Table, in remembrance of the late Jack Delcourt, former revered Chair of the Barrie Advisory Board and Police Chief of Barrie. They were hosted by Francine Delcourt.
The event also launched the Army’s 2017 Christmas Kettle Appeal with the first donations given by the morning’s guests.
Special thanks were given to the event sponsors, County of Simcoe; Life 100.3 FM; Liberty North; Ted Handy & Associates; KICX 106; The Dock 104.1; Clean Confidence, Barrie Advance and Barrie Flowers.