With the new year, the local Salvation Army decided to make a stronger focus on its youth outreach program, including hiring a part-time co-ordinator.
“What we’re trying to do is provide a healthy environment where young people can hang out and have other people to talk to. To give them the opportunity to make a positive impact on the community,” said Heather Keeler, who’s leading the group since January.
“To show them they’re all special and important to God,” she added.
“We’re really emphasizing our youth ministry. We want the community to know we’re concerned with youth here, where it seems there isn’t that much available to them,” echoed Capt. Eric Alcock.
Keeler noted all youth are welcome to drop by the Salvation Army Citadel, or contact her at 274-3871, to find out about upcoming events like youth rallies and conferences.
Alcock noted the youth ministry may even see its own hall, which would be build on to the rear of the Citadel on Victoria Avenue across from the Fort Frances Clinic.
“We’ve received tentative approval from the headquarters in Toronto but the hall won’t happen for a few more months,” he said. “It’s a long, involved process that we’re moving forward with.”
In the meantime, the group is working hard to raise funds for trips and activities, and possibly a 15-seat van.
“We have ideas and plans but only so much money allocated to the youth program,” admitted Capt. Alcock. “If there’s anybody out there who wants to help us out, we wouldn’t say no.
“We have already contacted some service clubs and we hope to see something materialize,” he added.
Another strategy is having its members hold fellowship teas, or “High 5” teas, whereby people commit themselves to have a tea at their home and invite five of their friends over, who, in turn, donate $5 to support the program.
Invitation kits are available at the Salvation Army Citadel, and can be delivered to your home.
In related news, Capt. Alcock and his wife, Sylvia, are going to do something a little unusual to raise money for missionaries during the current Salvation Army “Self-Denial” campaign.
“Some people may not realize it but we only have about 12 uniformed soldiers in the corps [locally]. And sometimes that limits what we can do to raise funds,” he said.
“So my wife and I thought, ‘Why not put ourselves upon the auction block? We’ll do something for a day in exchange for a contribution,’” he explained.
Capt. Alcock made a few suggestions as to possible tasks. “For instance, a business could get us to stand behind the cash register or work on the floor.
“Myself, I’m kind of a handyman,” he added.
The campaign runs until Easter, with the local Salvation Army looking to raise $2,500–$1,500 more than last year–for officers around the world.
“We believe very strongly in sending out a message to the world,” remarked Capt. Alcock.
Those interested in making a bid in the “slave auction” can call the Alcocks at 274-3871.
Fort Frances Times
Local News from Across the Rainy River District
