Big News!

Have you seen the morning paper? There is big news and seasons of change at The Mission. Please join us for a light breakfast and media conference this morning at 10:00 - 10:15 and be part of this exciting new venture! Come to the Soup Kitchen at 1836 Halifax Street and learn about... well... did I say this was BIG?!

Media Release: Little Souls Daycare Grand Opening & Indoor Picnic

MEDIA ADVISORY FOR Friday, January 29th, 2010 10:00 a.m.
CONTACT: Michelle Porter
PHONE: 543-0011

Souls Harbour RESCUE Mission, in partnership with the Government of Saskatchewan & AFFINITY CREDIT UNION presents the Grand Opening of Little Souls Daycare!

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Join parents, children, & friends for an indoor picnic as we dedicate Little Souls Daycare!

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WHAT: This is the official opening of the brand new, Little Souls Daycare: a 60 placement subsidized daycare. The morning’s agenda will include a variety of guest dignitaries, a cake cutting ceremony, a “pinata,” and a hotdog lunch to follow.

WHO: This event is open to all media, the families of Little Souls Daycare, all project relevant trades people, and the public in general.

WHEN: Friday, January 29th, 2010 – 10:00 am
(Media can arrive at 9:40 am for early interviews with families and 10 new daycare staff members.)

WHERE: 1475 Athol Street, Regina, Saskatchewan
(Corner of Dewdney Avenue & Athol Street)

WHY: Little Souls Daycare is the end product of a collective vision, through the partnering of government, foundations, organizations, and numerous individuals, to address the need for subsidized daycare here in the City of Regina.

PHOTO/INTERVIEW OPPORTUNITIES:

• 9:40 am – Little Souls Daycare is open, children will be playing and parents will be available for interview opportunities.
• Honourable Ken Krawetz, Minister of Education, speaking at 10:00 am
• Affinity Credit Union personal will be preparing and serving the early lunch.
• Rev Ken & Michelle Porter, Founding Directors and visionaries of Souls Harbour RESCUE Mission, can talk about the continuum of care that the Mission provides to Regina’s less fortunate.

Souls Harbour RESCUE Mission is celebrating it’s 20th year of operation, and is an amalgamation of Souls Harbour Soup Kitchen, and Regina RESCUE. We offer a full continuum of care through 7 different facilities, providing food, clothing and shelter, life changing programs, subsidized daycare and the Gospel Message to those in need.

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Media Release: GOVERNMENT ALLOCATES 496 NEW CHILD CARE SPACES

GOVERNMENT ALLOCATES 496 NEW CHILD CARE SPACES

Today at the Souls Harbour Rescue Mission in Regina, Deputy Premier and Education Minister Ken Krawetz announced that 17 agencies will be receiving $1.67 million in capital funding to develop 496 new child care spaces in 11 communities throughout the province.

"There is an increasing demand for child care spaces in Saskatchewan as more parents find their place in the workforce or pursue post-secondary education," Krawetz said. "Child care is a priority for the government, which is why we provided funding in this year's budget to develop 1,000 new child care spaces by the end of 2009-10. The 496 spaces allocated today will provide high quality early learning and child care opportunities, as well as support the social and educational development of young children."

Souls Harbour Rescue Mission is being allocated 60 child care spaces, and is receiving more than $200,000 in provincial space development capital funding to ready the former St. Andrew's Church for quality child care programming.

"This building was originally built with an eye to children and youth, where the founding elders said they wanted a place ‘where values can be caught as well as taught'," Souls Harbour Rescue Mission Executive Director Michelle Porter said. "Opening a daycare will bring this building back to its original purpose as well as fill a significant need in this community."

The 496 spaces are part of the Government of Saskatchewan's $4.22 million investment to develop 1,000 new child care spaces this year. The remaining spaces will be awarded to communities across Saskatchewan throughout the year, based on community readiness. This is a new process put in place to ensure communities will be able to open the spaces in the fiscal year they are allocated. Community organizations will be notified by the Ministry of Education as soon as new spaces are approved.

All 1,000 spaces will open by the end of 2009-10, bringing the total of licensed child care spaces in Saskatchewan to 11,400.

In addition to the funding of 1,000 new child care spaces, the early learning and child care sector received an additional $1.2 million to support the training of early childhood educators and $375,000 for child care for children with exceptionally high diverse needs this fiscal year. Child care centres received a seven per cent annualized CBO lift in 2008-09 and an additional three per cent in 2009-10 to support recruitment and retention of early childhood educators.



For more information, contact:

Sarah Still
Education
Regina
Phone: 306-787-1613
Email: sarah.still@gov.sk.ca

Media Release & Public Invitation

Come to Undie Monday at the Good News Chapel Parking Lot tomorrow at 9:00 a.m.

2500 pair of underwear will be received.

Meet Brent King himself, as he tours across our great country distributing 25,000 pair of underwear to Canadian Rescue Missions to raise awareness for the poor.

What: Undie Monday
Time: 9:00 a.m.
Where:Corner of Elphinstone & 8th in North Central
Right beside Sacred Heart School

If you want to read about the Underwear King's adventures, check out
his blog: http://underweardrive.blogspot.com/

See you all tomorrow morning at 9:00!

"Dont it always seem to go
That you dont know what you've got
Till its gone
They paved paradise
And put up a parking lot"
-Joni Mitchell

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

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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.

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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

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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.

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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.

Music with a Mission Premiere Concert Series a Hit!

Support for Youth Centre growing, by Michelle Porter

300 people came out from Friday’s cold snap, armed with donations of groceries, to enjoy the premiere benefit concert on Friday night in support of the new Youth Centre being opened by Souls Harbour Rescue Mission. Music with a Mission featured 15artists from Saskatchewan and Alberta and raised over $7600!

Families were toe tapping to the tunes of Strasbourg’s Last Mountain Boys, clapping to Larry Krause, and laughing at the humorous cowboy poetry of Ed Brown from Alberta.

Brown waxed eloquent about reality and the purpose of life, while The Daae Family challenged us to make the most of every opportunity.

Heather Prosak, host of Big Dog’s morning show, emceed the event and encouraged folks from around Saskatchewan to dig deep as they passed the hat midway through the evening. “Every one of these groups are donating their time here tonight! All proceeds go to the amazing work of the new youth centre, with the hope of a fall opening.”

Lori Potter, one of the musicians, echoed the others when she thanked Michelle Porter, Executive Director of Souls Harbour RESCUE Mission, for allowing her the privilege of singing, “You are doing such an great work in Regina’s inner city, and I’m proud to be a part of it.”

The Mission recently purchased the former St. Andrews United Church on the corner of Dewdney and Athol. Renovations are already underway to create a much needed daycare in the area, and a giant youth centre. Founding director Ken Porter shared the vision to “level the playing field for disadvantaged youth. And give them opportunity to live up to their potential before getting caught up in alcohol and drug related gang violence and crime.”

Two five minute interludes found us choking back tears as we heard the life transforming stories of Travis and Suzette. Both begin a 15 week job at the Mission this week, and look forward to being able to give back to the community in this way.

To donate to the youth centre project, call Carmen at 543-0011 and let her know it’s for St. Andrews. Souls Harbour Rescue Mission is also seeking donations of sports and daycare equipment.

Media Release: Harbour House Grand Opening & BBQ - TOMORROW!

MEDIA ADVISORY FOR Tuesday, August 19th, 2008, 11:00 am

SOULS HARBOUR RESCUE MISSION, in partnership with MELROSE PLACE NORTH and the AFFINTY CREDIT UNION, to host the OFFICIAL GRAND OPENING OF HARBOUR HOUSE!
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Come join us in a Celebration Barbeque, for the opening and dedication of this 30 suite affordable housing initiative!
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WHAT: This is the official opening of Harbour House: a low-income 30 suite apartment building complex. The morning’s agenda will include a variety of guest dignitaries, a ribbon cutting ceremony, and a fellowship barbeque to follow at noon.

WHO: This event is open to all media, Harbour House residents, all project relevant trades people, and the public in general.

WHEN: Tuesday, August 19th,2008 – 11:00 am
(Media can arrive at 10:00 am for a private Harbour House tour, and early interviews)

WHERE: 1610 Angus Street, Regina, Saskatchewan –
(If raining, location to be moved to Good News Chapel at 1380 Elphinstone St.

WHY: “Harbour House” is the end product of a collective vision, through the partnering of various levels of government, individuals, groups and organization, to address the need for affordable housing here in the City of Regina. We will also be announcing our Affinity Endowment Fund, a joint initiative to provide educational assistance to the residents of Harbour House.

PHOTO/INTERVIEW OPPORTUNITIES:

• 10:00 am – Harbour House is open to media only(suites available for viewing as well.) Current residents can talk about what having a place of their own means to them.
• Honourable Donna Harpauer, Minister of Social Services
• Chris Lygouriatas of Melrose Place North (catering and preparation of the BBQ)
• Affinity Credit Union personal including the following: Kevin Haas, Manager of the Scarth St Branch and Barb Rasmussen, Manager of the Hill Ave and Rochdale Branches
• Rev Ken & Michelle Porter, Founding Directors of Souls Harbour RESCUE Mission can talk about the continuum of care Souls Harbour provides to Regina’s less fortunate.

Souls Harbour RESCUE Mission is in its 18th year of operation, and is an amalgamation of Souls Harbour Soup Kitchen, and Regina RESCUE Mission’s Recovery Programs. We now offer a full continuum of care in our 6 facilities, providing food, clothing and shelter, life changing programs and the Gospel Message to those in need.

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TODAY: SOULS HARBOUR RESCUE MISSION TO HOST HOLIDAY DINNER FOR THE POOR

MEDIA ADVISORY FOR
Saturday, December 29th, 2007
Noon

CONTACT: Michelle Porter 591-4151

SOULS HARBOUR RESCUE MISSION TO HOST HOLIDAY DINNER FOR THE POOR

600 Traditional Christmas Meals to be Served in North Central Regina!!

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WHAT: 4 Course Dinner prepared by chefs from Melrose Place North
Pineapple glazed curried ham, rotini pasta salad, 600 buns, 600 bowls of homemade chicken rice soup, 600 pieces of pumpkin pie, 600 cups of coffee and juice and 600 Christmas stockings and gifts for children to take home!

WHO: Souls Harbour RESCUE Mission partners with Melrose Place North to cook a traditional Christmas meal for the needy men, women, and children in our community.

WHEN: Saturday, December 29th, 2007
Noon

WHERE: Good News Chapel at 1380 Elphinstone Street

WHY: Michelle Porter, Executive Director, says, “More than just a soup kitchen, we provide emergency clothing at our free store, and emergency shelter all year long. Today is a special day when we celebrate hope for the new year.”

PHOTO/INTERVIEW OPPORTUNITIES:

• Hundreds and hundreds of Christmas socks filled with goodies, prepared by individuals throughout Saskatchewan. For some, this may be the only Christmas gift they receive!
• Chris Lygouriatis, of Melrose Place North, provides a fully catered meal for the less fortunate.
• Mayor Pat Fiacco has never missed a Christmas dinner in eight years!


BACKGROUND:

 Souls Harbour founded by Geri Carroll in 1990.
 Regina Rescue Mission founded by Rev Ken & Michelle Porter in 2000.
 Merger of two charities now called, Souls Harbour RESCUE Mission in January 2007!

They have five facilities: a men’s emergency shelter and drop-in and a LifeChange Program campus for men and women with or without children. They offer a variety of programs including life and social skills classes, addictions programming, food and clothing distribution, emergency shelter, and spiritual counseling. Harbour House is under construction and will be affordable housing and an emergency family shelter in early spring.

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