TRURO, N.S.
Soul’s Harbour Rescue Mission is preparing to open a drop-in centre, where lunches will be served, in Truro.
The centre will be located in the former Turning Point Church building at 130 King St.
“This is really exciting,” said Steve Lumsden, a volunteer with the organization. “It’s rewarding to give back to the community.”
Lumsden knew there was a need. He and his wife began handing out bagged lunches in downtown Truro several weeks ago. They’ve been doing this every Friday.
Volunteers were using their own money for most of the food so Lumsden approached Soul’s Harbour and asked if they could help. They decided to partner in the lunch program.
“The first week we gave out 35 bags, and the last eight weeks we’ve handed out over 100 each week,” he said.
Lumsden had discussed the possibility of opening a Soul’s Harbour mission in Truro in the past. One has operated in Halifax for about eight years, and a second one opened in Bridgwater two years ago.
“We bought a building in Bridgewater and the mortgage is paid off now,” said Michelle Porter,
CEO of Soul’s Harbour Rescue Mission. “We’re modelling this after Bridgewater. We’re renovating the building so we can be in the basement, and we’ll rent out the area that was the sanctuary.”
They’re using donated and discounted materials, and volunteer labour – whenever they’re able – and they hope to install a lift to make things accessible.
Plans are to serve lunch weekdays, except Wednesday, between 1 and 3 p.m., and to remain open as a drop-in until 5 p.m. There will be no meals served on Wednesdays because Kane’s Kitchen, at Immaculate Conception Church, offers meals on those days.
Soul’s Harbour plans to partner with the Colchester Food Bank and the Truro Homeless Outreach Society as much as possible.
Several items have been donated for the drop-in centre, but items such as decks of cards, games and crib boards are still needed.
Volunteers interested in cooking, serving food or fundraising are also being sought. Anyone interested in helping out can call Lumsden at 902-893-0911.
The centre is expected to open in October.
More information on Soul’s Harbour can be found on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/shrm.ca/ or on the website at http://www.shrm.ca/
Fundraising ride/walk
A fundraising ride/walk will be held on Sept. 29.
The event begins at the Douglas Street Recreation Centre, and goes to Victoria Park and back. Registration begins at 9:30 a.m., with people heading out on the routes at 10:30 a.m.
5K and 10K routes will be included.
Sponsor forms will soon be available.
