Official Ribbon Cutting Ceremony of The Journey to Life Centre
On a chilly October Friday morning, staff, clients, donors, dignitaries and Salvation Army Ontario Division members joined to officially open the Journey to Life Centre. Although staff and clients have been living and working in the building since October 2020, this was the first chance for our supporters to see our building and the great programming we can now provide the community.
Welcome & Land Acknowledge were given by Gary Ferguson Executive Director
Blessing & Purification of the Land performed by Kerry McLaughlin, Elder
Greetings and Congratulations were brought by:
Major Lori Mitchell, Area Commander - Project Coordinator, The Salvation Army
Patty Hadju, Member of Parliament, Thunder Bay Superior North
Michael Gravelle, Member of Provincial Parliament, Thunder Bay Superior North
Kevin Holland, TBDSSAB Board Member
Mayor Bill Mauro, City of Thunder Bay
Chief Peter Collins, Fort William First Nations
Deputy Grand Chief Anna Betty Achneepineskum, Nishnawbe Aski Nation
Joe and Barbara McEachern, Capital Campaign Co-Chairs
Janet Sillman, The Salvation Army Thunder Bay Social Services Community Council Chair
Lieut.-Colonel Shawn Critch, Divisional Commander, The Salvation Army Ontario Division
A time capsule containing items describing The Salvation Army and Thunder Bay was buried by Gary Ferguson, Executive Director with assistance from April Burridge, Amanda Pacholczak and Veronica Pacholczak St. Ignatius High School Common Bonds Students
Prayers were given by Lieut. Colonel Brenda Critch, The Salvation Army Divisional Secretary for Spiritual Life Development.
Following the ceremony, refreshments and lunch were provided to the attendees. Guests also had the pleasure of touring the building with a tour guide.
