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.