Regina Council Says No To Charity

Please see my comments and consider writing a letter of support to our city council.

Tax abatement application denied

By Patrick Book

Regina's City Council is turning down a request for help from a charitable effort aimed at keeping the kids of Regina's North Central neighbourhood safe.

Michelle Porter is the Executive Director of the Souls Harbour Rescue Mission, a charitable effort that helps the poor and homeless. They've raised $1.8 million for a new youth centre and 60-space day care to be located in the heart of North Central on Dewdney and Athol Street, the former St Andrews United Church.

But the property's previous owner incurred more than $150,000 in overdue property taxes and penalties. Souls Harbour incurred those fees when they purchased the property and Council says it can't waive payment.

"Part of it was just a mistake as far as administration," clarifies Porter. "It was how we presented our documentation, I didn't go through the proper steps. So we're going to try again. We heard them say, 'Why don't you try some of the grants?' so I'll go back to the mission and take a look and see what's available for us."

Council members insist they have no qualms about the project or Souls Harbour, but they insist a dangerous precedent could be set if council starts forgiving taxes.The city administration will be working with Souls Harbour to ensure no further mistakes are made.

Can you do me a favour?

If you are in favour of the re-zoning of the old St. Andrews United Church on the corner of Dewdney and Athol, please email:

bmario@regina.ca and make reference to your support implementation of new zoning for a youth centre and daycare at 1475 Athol Street.

Thanks a bundle! Every positive comment helps!

Sask. volunteers awarded medals

A group of staff women went to cheer Beth on at the Legislature today.







We watched from the gallery and cheered our "here here" for our
volunteer of the year!








On the way out I had time for a quick pose as they awarded me "Premier for the Day" status:

Leader-Post
Annie McLeod

REGINA -- A group of Saskatchewan citizens received provincial recognition from the Lieutenant Governor during a ceremony at Government House on Tuesday.

Lt.-Gov. Gordon L. Barnhart presented eight people with the Saskatchewan Volunteer Medal for 2008, which recognizes outstanding volunteer service or exceptional community involvement.

"We know that Saskatchewan has the most volunteers of any province in Canada, and this is a time to celebrate eight particular people who have volunteered their time and their money and their energy to the people in Saskatchewan, and particularly their own local communities," said Barnhart.

The award recipients were nominated by the public and selected by the Saskatchewan Honours Advisory Council.

Regina residents Beth Ell and Ken Sagal were among the medal recipients. Sagal has been committed to cultural growth in the province, and among the many ways in which he has served the province was his instrumental role in the restructuring of the Saskatchewan Council of Cultural Organizations into SaskCulture.

Ell, who began her volunteer work at a young age, has worked to enhance the quality of life for others. She fundraises and runs programs, parties and events for sick and underprivileged children in the city.
"I just love (volunteer work). I work in an office, so what I do is volunteer work with children and in the soup kitchen ... it's totally different than my work," said Ell. "It's just so refreshing to be doing something different and working with people and seeing the changes in their lives ... just to try to make their day a little better."
Barnhart said the medals are a way for all the people of Saskatchewan to thank the recipients and encourage them to continue their good work in the community.

"It's also an example for other people in the community to say, 'Gee, look at ... so and so is doing this, well I should be out there helping as well,'" he said.

Saskatoon, John Ford of Gray, Ajay Krishan from Prince Albert, Camille I. Ross-Bell from Gravelbourg, Maurice Taylor of Tisdale, and Courtney Vaudner from Melville.

Business of the Year Congratulations Mission

Dear Ms. Porter:

We at Viterra would like to applaud Souls Harbour RESCUE Mission for being honoured at the 2009 Paragon Awards on April 2. It is clear that Regina has a vibrant business community full of talent, creativity, and ambition. Viterra is proud to be positioned among the outstanding companies that have been recognized for business excellence by the Regina & District Chamber of Commerce.

Congratulations for being the recipient of the New Business Venture award. May you have continued success in the future.

Sincerely,

Mayo Schmidt
President and Chief Executive Officer

Food Prices Rise

More people in Saskatchewan need help

NEWS TALK 980 CJME
Reported By Erin Slobodian
The latest inflation numbers show food is getting more and more expensive. Prices for fruits, veggies and other groceries jumped to 7.9 per cent in March. That's the highest rate in over two decades.

That may be why more people in Regina are having a tough time keeping food on the table. While the province is doing well during the economic turmoil some individuals are suffering.

There has been an increase in families needing help from Souls Harbour Rescue Mission. Executive Director Michelle Porter tells the Leader Post "when the rich get richer the poor get poorer."

The paper goes on to talk to the boss at the Regina Food Bank. Wayne Hellquist says food bank demand is rising but corporate donations are down. Recent statistics indicate 40 per cent more people are using food banks in Saskatoon.

Nationally, inflation is down to 1.2 per cent from the previous 1.4 per cent.

Needles Part of Spring Cleaning

Photograph by: Don Healy, Leader-Post files

Celebration Lutheran Church stopped by the Mission today to borrow our washrooms and our Sharps collector. Their young people were working on a North Central clean-up project, and spent the afternoon cleaning up garbage in the neighbourhood. They kept running into needles, which reminded me of the article in the Leader-Post a couple of days ago, parts of which are quoted below:

Regina Leader-Post
Adriana Christianson

REGINA -- Every spring, melting snow reveals hundreds of used needles left on the streets and in the parks of Regina.

Suzanne Nasewich, supervisor of communicable diseases with the health region, said the annual spring clean-up is part of Public Health Services' "Street Project." Last year, volunteers picked up 645 used needles found on public property. In previous years, this number has ranged from 500 to 1,000.

She said the number of used needles found outdoors always seem to increase in the spring simply due to snow melting. She noted that the targeted areas for the two-day spring clean-up will be North Central and the Core areas of Regina.

"The blanket has lifted and you can see what is there," Nasewich said, noting that used needles can be found in any neighbourhood and it is impossible to tell the difference between a needle used by a diabetic for medication and one used to inject drugs.

In addition to the spring clean-up, the health region also collected 14,196 needles in 2008, responding to calls from concerned residents. Also last year 18,005 used needles were left in drop-off boxes in three locations around Regina.

Angela Prawzick, spokeswoman for the Regina Fire Department, said in 2008 the department made 417 trips to pick-up needles around the city.

"If there is a discarded needle found on public property, or on private property accessible to the public, then we will respond if another organization is not able to respond," Prawzick said.

She said the fire department has been acting to combat this issue for 10 years and public awareness about used needles has increased since then, leading to more calls for safe disposal.

Discarded needles are generally perceived as a health hazard because they may carry blood-borne diseases such as HIV or hepatitis. However, Nasewich said outdoor elements would kill any diseases carried by a needle left out for even a few hours.

"The relative risk of acquiring a blood-borne disease like HIV, hepatitis B or hepatitis C from a discarded needle on the streets of Regina is approaching zero, it is very, very low," she said, citing national health studies which show no cases contracting these diseases from needles left outdoors.

Anyone who does sustain a needle stick injury should still seek emergency medical attention, according to Nasewich. She also advises anyone in this situation to wash the wound with warm water and let it bleed freely before going to an emergency room.

"People need to realize that they could be harmful, and should be handled with care," she said.

Anyone who finds discarded needles can contact the health region to determine the safest way to dispose of them. If residents are comfortable removing a needle on their own, they should stay clear of the sharp end, use tongs and place it into a hard-sided container with a lid. Nasewich referred to the city bylaw against throwing any used needles into regular garbage and said kits are also available from the health region to dispose of needles in private residences.

Anyone wishing to organize a community clean-up in the hood or North Central can feel free to use Souls Harbour RESCUE Mission as a stomping ground.

Working families hit hard by economy

The Regina Leader-Post
Annie McLeod

REGINA -- Souls Harbour Rescue Mission in Regina is reminding people to remember the poor, even though Saskatchewan's economy is relatively strong.

Michelle Porter, executive director of the mission, said the boom Saskatchewan has experienced has actually been detrimental to many less fortunate families.

"The rising cost of groceries and gas, and whatever else has been going up recently, has affected the working poor," she said. "People who used to ... barely make ends meet can no longer make ends meet."

Combined with an expansion in programs the mission offers, such as the women and family emergency shelter, there has been a change in the number and type of people coming to the mission for assistance.

Porter said that while the traditional type of people, such as those with life control problems, are still attending the mission, there has been an increase in the number of families coming in.

"We are seeing moms with their children and single dads, and even some intact families," she said.

A number of families coming to the mission have been evicted from their homes. Porter said they get evicted because their landlords will not fix the homes. Because of the lack of affordable housing in the city, the people have nowhere to go.

"When the rich get richer, the poor get poorer, and I just want to remind people that we're still open 365 days a year, serving 300 meals a day, and sleeping a hundred homeless people a night," said Porter.

Wayne Hellquist, CEO of the Regina and District Food Bank, said he has seen the same trend in terms of a larger number of people who can no longer afford the costs of living, despite good economic conditions. The trend at the food bank is mainly affecting the working poor, who are often chronically underemployed and earning minimum wage, as well as seniors on fixed incomes.

"As costs for housing go up, as costs for food supplies go up, and as costs for home heating and other essentials continue to rise, those people are impacted the most," said Hellquist. "There are many people who are benefiting greatly from the economy, but certainly those who were being challenged previously are probably more at risk today than they were previously."

Another challenge the food bank faces is that even though the number of people needing its support is increasing, there hasn't been a subsequent increase in cash donations. The food bank has actually seen a decrease in corporate support.

"We continue to be concerned about the issues, we continue to be concerned about the trends that we're seeing, and like Souls Harbour, we have limited capacity to be able to address increased demand without ongoing support from the public," said Hellquist.

Community Congratulations

Michelle,

Congratulations on receiving the New Business Venture Award from the 2009 Regina & District Chamber of Commerce Paragon Awards.

We wish you much success in your future endeavors.

Tom Robinson
Regional Managing Partner
KPMG

SOULS HARBOUR RESCUE MISSION JOINS IN RECORD SERVICES TO NEEDY

Souls Harbour RESCUE Mission -- 100,000 meals served!

Contact: Michelle Porter, Executive Director

SOULS HARBOUR RESCUE MISSION JOINS
IN RECORD SERVICES TO NEEDY

Uncertain economic times increases numbers
of hungry, homeless seeking assistance

Regina, SK April 15, 2009 – A slow economy, job losses, and home foreclosures are combining to cause hungry and homeless people to seek more help than ever before from North America’s rescue missions, according to a study by the Association of Gospel Rescue Missions (AGRM). In 2008, AGRM member missions provided 48.4 million meals—enough to feed the entire population of Texas twice—an increase of 5.9 percent from the previous year.

In Regina, Souls Harbour RESCUE Mission served nearly 100,000 meals in 2008, a similar number from the previous year.

“We’ve seen different types of people coming to the mission for help,” said Souls Harbour RESCUE Mission Executive Director Michelle Porter. “Many more homeless families and working poor are coming to our door for a meal or emergency shelter. Depending on which financial expert you listen to, we might expect the 2009 numbers to increase as well.”

In 2008, AGRM member organizations, including Souls Harbour RESCUE Mission, offered 16.9 million nights of lodging, distributed 21.4 million pieces of clothing, and handed out 4.2 million furniture items to people in need. AGRM members reported exceeding previous highs in nearly all service categories. The Mission provided 36,100 nights lodging, and gave out over 9000 pieces of clothing.

“Rescue missions reported about a 6 percent increase in social services in 2008 over 2007,” said John Ashmen, executive director of AGRM. “Our member missions are accustomed to responding when times get tough. An economic slump only increases the need in the community.”

Ashmen praised the support local communities offered to AGRM member ministries. Twice as many missions reported growth in cash donations as those that experienced a decrease in giving last year.

“Even in tough times, total cash donations to rescue missions increased by 3 percent during 2008,” Ashmen said.

Porter said, “People in need just keep coming to our doors. Now is the time for the community to step up and support Souls Harbour RESCUE Mission. Some folks must restrict spending—we understand that—but please don’t cut back on generosity. Every gift makes a difference.”

Founded in 1913, the Kansas City-based Association of Gospel Rescue Missions represents about 270 rescue missions in communities across North America. AGRM exists to proclaim the passion of Jesus toward the hungry, homeless, abused, and addicted; and to accelerate quality and effectiveness in member missions.

Souls Harbour RESCUE Mission is a full service social service agency which exsists to rescue people from poverty, addiction and despair. They work hard 365 days a year to feed, clothe and shelter the poor and needy in Regina and extending throughout the province. They also offer a one-year recovery program for those with addictions and other life-controlling problems. They are the proud recipient of the 2009 Paragon Award for Best New Business Venture, reflecting the merger of two of the cities most significant charities that serve the poor and homeless.

To volunteer, or for more information, please go to www.shrm.ca or call 543-0011.

###

Four-course meal for 600

The Regina Leader-Post
Jana Pruden

What does it take to feed 600 people? Try 50 turkeys, 250 pounds of potatoes, 144 heads of romaine lettuce, four buckets of salad dressing, 80 litres of gravy and a veritable sea of rice pudding -- with piles of dinner rolls and torrents of juice and coffee on the side.

Such was the spectacular spread at Souls Harbour Rescue Mission on Saturday, as hundreds of hungry people and dozens of devoted volunteers flocked to the charity's annual Easter Dinner.

Before the doors of the Good News Chapel had even opened late Saturday morning, a crowd of people -- both volunteers and guests -- were gathered outside, excitedly awaiting the Easter weekend event.

Dinner was served as a four-course sit down meal, which Christos Lygouriatis, owner of Melrose Place North, said was an important part of the experience.

"It's a real blessing to really enjoy a holiday dinner," said Lygouriatis, who has co-ordinated the massive meal for the past four years. "It's not a rush dinner. It's for people to spend time with their families, to sit down together and enjoy the hospitality of Souls Harbour and have a hearty meal."

Michelle Porter, who started the Rescue Mission side of the organization with her husband nine years ago, said the holiday dinners are for people in need -- whether they are financially poor, struggling with difficult issues, or simply searching for a sense of community and fellowship.

Pat McCormack found himself on the steps of the Rescue Mission in dire need of help little more than a year ago. After completing the organization's LifeChange Program, McCormack is clean, sober and helping in the Souls Harbour kitchen as a part of a mentorship training program. Now considering a career as a cook, McCormack was soaking it all in on Saturday-- and said he'd already learned the key to cooking dinner for several hundred: "Always make enough."

Spending two years homeless in Alberta, Vicki Zaremba used to rely on soup kitchens for help. She is now doing better, working, and living in Regina, but says she knows firsthand how difficult things can be.

"There are definitely a lot of people that need to eat," said Zaremba, who stopped by the dinner to visit her mother, who was serving at the event. "You don't get anything on welfare, and when you pay the bills there's not a lot left."

Standing outside the chapel shortly before lunch with her four-year-old daughter, a young woman named Sheena also expressed her gratitude for the hot holiday meal.

"I know I appreciate it and I think a lot of other people do, too, because there's a lot of people in there," she said.

Regina Helps The Needy This Easter

Over 600 meals were served

Reported By Justin Blackwell

A community coming together this Easter.

And over 600 people are thankful.

Souls Harbour Rescue Mission hosted an easter dinner Saturday for the needy in Regina.

Executive Director for Souls Harbour Rescue Mission Michelle Porter says the day is a bright one for so many.

"We sure do find that spirits and moods are up and lifted at these events. And the volunteers are a big help in lifting the spirits of people."

Murray Hack is one of those volunteers.

"There are so many amazing people that come through these doors. I love getting to know the different folks that are here."

Melrose Place North provided the food.

Souls Harbour Rescue Mission has provided clothing, shelter, and food for 19 years.

It's never too late to help!

It's not too late to make a donation towards the Easter Dinner Campaign. $2.58 sponsors one meal, and we're serving over 600 of them today!

If you prefer to give in another way, or in addition to financially, please show up at 2:00 this afternoon in your work clothes to help clean up! Ask for Aaron and hope to see you at the Good News Chapel, on the corner of 8th & Elphinstone in North Central.

Media Release: Easter Saturday Dinner for the Homeless

MEDIA ADVISORY FOR Saturday April 11, 2009
11:30 a.m.

CONTACT: Derrick Moore
PHONE: 737-3099


SOULS HARBOUR RESCUE MISSION TO HOST EASTER DINNER FOR THE POOR

600 MEALS TO BE SERVED

****


WHO: SOULS HARBOUR RESCUE MISSION partners with MELROSE PLACE NORTH to cook a full Easter meal for the needy men, women, and children in our community

WHAT: TURKEY AND STUFFING with vegetables, mashed potatoes, and white gravy, Caesar salad, buns and butter, and rice pudding.

WHEN: Saturday, April, 11th, 2009 11:30 a.m

WHERE: Good News Chapel - 1380 Elphinstone St. on the corner of 8th Ave.

WHY: We want to bless the needy with gifts, entertainment, friendship and a delicious meal, because we are blessed and we need to share the joy and hope we have.

****


PHOTO / INTERVIEW OPPORTUNITIES:

*His Worship, Mayor Pat Fiacco

*HEATHER PROSAK AND BRAD GRASS FROM THE DOGS BREAKFAST RADIO SHOW ON 92.7 FM

*Chris and Tysia Lygourtiatis, owners of Melrose Place North, are providing meals for up to 600 men, women, and children!

*Michael Cassano president of the Regina Multicultural Council, who faithfully brings himself and their members to serve at all our large dinners

****


FREE GIFTS FOR: ADULTS AND CHILDREN AND LIVE MUSIC!!!

BACKGROUND: Souls Harbour RESCUE mission has been feeding, clothing and sheltering the needy for 19 years. Come join in blessing our community. It will touch your heart and the hearts of others.

#########

Free Easter Dinner

The Leader-Post

Souls Harbour Rescue Mission is presenting a free Easter dinner on Saturday.

The dinner is to be served at 11:30 a.m. at the Good News Chapel, 1380 Elphinstone St. Gifts and toys will be provided to take home.

Live music will be provided by Kathy Depko.

Partners In Motion

To: The Souls Harbour Rescue Mission

Congratulations on winning the "New Business Venture" Paragon Award.

From: The Staff at Partners in Motion

Mission Receives Paragon Award

Correction

...an error appeared in the story headlined "Viterra wins top award" on Page D1 of Saturday's edition. Souls Harbour RESCUE Mission received the Paragon award for New Business Venture from the Regina & District Chamber of Commerce.

© Copyright (c) The Regina Leader-Post

Delighted by award

Souls Harbour Rescue Mission is truly blessed to have received the Paragon Award for "New Business Venture" from the Regina and District Chamber of Commerce. The award was presented to reflect the highly successful merger of Souls Harbour and Regina Rescue Mission.

Merging two charities is as complex as merging two companies -- we are thankful our two teams are happily functioning as one, to serve more than 90,000 meals per year and sleep 100 people per night. We are also pleased to work with 50 men, women and their children in an intense one-year addictions recovery program.

Michelle Porter

Porter is executive director, Souls Harbour Rescue Mission.

Regina

© Copyright (c) The Regina Leader-Post

SASKATCHEWAN VOLUNTEER MEDAL RECIPIENTS ANNOUNCED

Congratulations to our faithful volunteer and board member, Beth Ell, who was selected as a recipient of the 2008 Saskatchewan Volunteer Medal. Quoting Gerri Carroll, founder of Souls Harbour Soup Kitchen, Beth said, "Gerri always said I would be following in her footsteps, but this is an honour I never expected!"

You can view the ceremony at 1:30 on Tuesday, April 21st, at the Legislature.

The Media Release and Bio follow:

Lieutenant Governor Dr. Gordon L. Barnhart announced today the names of eight recipients of the Saskatchewan Volunteer Medal. The Medal recognizes outstanding volunteer service or exceptional community involvement.

"The eight remarkable individuals who will receive the Saskatchewan Volunteer Medal epitomize generosity and commitment, ingenuity and compassion, determination and service," Barnhart said. "Each is an inspiring role model and is most deserving of this prestigious honour."

The 2008 recipients are:
• Robin Bellamy, Saskatoon
• Beth Ell, Regina
• John Ford, Gray
• Ajay Krishan, Prince Albert
• Camille I. Ross-Bell, Gravelbourg
• Ken Sagal, Regina
• Maurice Taylor, Tisdale
• Courtney Vaudner, Melville

The recipients will receive their awards on April 21, during National Volunteer Week, at Government House in Regina. Recipients are selected by the Saskatchewan Honours Advisory Council from nominations submitted by the public. Including the eight new recipients, the Saskatchewan Volunteer Medal has been presented to 120 outstanding individuals since 1995. Saskatchewan has the highest rate of volunteerism in Canada.

2008 Recipient
Saskatchewan Volunteer Medal

Beth Ell grew up in Kelvington and began volunteering at a young age. She has enhanced the quality of life of many people through her endeavours. She spends countless hours fundraising for and running many programs, events and parties for underprivileged and sick children in Regina, where she now lives. Her dedication and obvious conviction in the causes she supports always attracts new members. She has served her community in the following ways:

• President, Hospital Auxiliaries of Saskatchewan
• President, Vice-President and Secretary, Pasqua Hospital Auxiliary
• Volunteer, Pasqua Hospital Auxiliary gift shop
• Fundraiser, helping to raise over $1 million for the Hospitals of Regina Foundation
• Organizer for the Hospital Auxiliaries National Convention in Regina
• Volunteer, Pasqua Hospital children’s ward
• Board Member and Volunteer, Souls Harbour Rescue Mission and Executive Member of the Women’s Auxiliary Rescue Mission (W.A.R.M)
• Volunteer, Sears Canada, fundraising for children’s parties, barbeques and other events
• Volunteer, SGI, Roughrider Days, Classic Curling events, school pizza and chilli days
• Awarded: CTV Citizen of the Year, 2008

Thanks to her nominator and fellow volunteer at Souls Harbour RESCUE Mission, Myrna Harvey-Opper.

Message from Mayor Pat Fiacco

Dear Michelle,

Congratulations for winning the New Business Venture Award at the 2009 Paragon Awards. Upon winning your Paragon Award, you have joined an illustrious group of Regina businesses that have been honoured for their achievements.

City Council has a vision for Regina to be Canada's most vibrant, inclusive, attractive, sustainable community where people live in harmony and thrive in opportunity. A vibrant business community is part of this vision. The Paragon Awards recognize business excellence and in turn, that excellence inspires other businesses and future business leaders. Your recognition shows Regina that your organization is leading by example.

Best wishes for continued success, and thank you for making Regina a better place in which to live, work and do business.

Sincerely,

Pat Fiacco
Mayor

Women of Distinction Nomination for Community Leadership & Enhancement

Regina's Women of Distinction Awards is an extension of our commitment to supporting women in the realization of their full potential.

Since 1981, the Awards Gala has recognized women whose outstanding achievements contribute to the health and future of our community and are an inspiration to others.

A Women of Distinction nominee is a woman who displays a sustained and significant contribution in her field of endeavour, whether locally, nationally or internationally.

In addition to honouring talented women who make a difference, the Gala Awards Dinner raises funds in support of YWCA programs and services.

Dear Nominee,

Congratulations on your Women of Distinction nomination! The 28th annual Women of Distinction Awards Gala will be held on Thursday, May 7th, 2008 on stage at the Conexus Arts Centre. The Gala is the time when the community comes together to celebrate the outstanding achievements that you and other women in our community have made.

The reception will begin at 5:30 pm, followed by dinner at 6:30 pm. We ask that you check in at the Nominee table located in the lobby of the Conexus Arts Centre by 5:30p.m. You will be escorted to a meeting room where event organizers will greet you and explain the evening’s events. As a nominee you will enter the stage in procession with the rest of the nominees and then be seated at your table with family and friends for dinner and the remainder of the awards presentations. When your friends and families arrive we encourage them to locate their designated table prior to visiting the silent auction and refreshment area.

Gala tickets may be purchased at the YWCA Regina. Tickets for the Gala are $90, or $720 for a table of eight. As part of the YWCA Regina’s fundraising, there will be a silent auction and a raffle at the Gala. You may participate by bidding on the silent auction items or by purchasing tickets for the raffle.

Kindest regards,

Debra
Events Coordinator

What an honour to be nominated for the Women of Distinction! I've been nominated in the category of Community Leadership & Enhancement:

To recognize outstanding leadership through inspiration and example to others through involvement in social services, human rights, labour, women's issues, action programs and/or service clubs. These achievers have enhanced the quality of life in their community primarily through volunteerism.

Souls Harbour RESCUE Mission gets Paragon Award!

And,the 2009 Regina Chamber of Commerce Paragon Business Excellence Award Recipient for New Business Venture goes to... Souls Harbour RESCUE Mission!

New Business Venture: This award is presented to either a new business start up or to the company that has expanded its business into new areas or has developed new products or services.

Souls Harbour RESCUE Mission exists to rescue people from poverty, addiction and sin, by offering emergency help such as food, clothing and shelter, life-changing programs and the Gospel message. Souls Harbour Mission House and Regina Rescue Mission have amalgamated to provide a new continuum of care from the street back to the workplace. The merger minimizes duplication of services and to date has accomplished the following: women with children doubled, men with children accepted (unique in Saskatchewan), innner city chapel, emergency food and shelter, and low income and transitional housing.

Some semblance of my acceptance speech:

I have a little speech on my iPhone! Wow. I just did not expect to win. Thank you!

I'm Michelle Porter, the Executive Director of Souls Harbour RESCUE Mission. On behalf of the board and 21 staff of Souls Hatbour Rescue Mission I thank you so much for honouring us with this award for best New Business Venture.

2 years ago, Souls Harbour merged with Regina RESCUE Mission to form the Souls Harbour RESCUE Mission. Together we have a full continuum of care--serving 100,000 meals a year, and providing 100 needy men, women and children with a warm safe bed each night. We also have a long term addictions recovery program and are opening a daycare and youth centre in the old St. Andrews church on Dewdney Avenue.

Souls Harbour RESCUE Mission must run efficiently and maintain the best business practices to make all this happen! We are thankful for the 17,000 homes, churches and businesses that partner with us to raise over 1.4 million dollars per year.

I would like to thank our nominator, my friend Myrns Harvey-Opper. She is a woman who herself was helped by the Mission, and is alumni from our one year LifeChange Program. Myrna, I am honoured to have you by my side tonikght.

Thank you again to the Chamber for this prestigous award.