An Open Letter To Our Partners

I must admit I was a little panicked when I heard Canada Post might be striking.  I'm still very uneasy.  I put a note on facebook to alert our giving partners.   While many commented that it won't impact the average person, sadly, Souls Harbour RESCUE Mission is NOT the average person.  The mail system is our bread and butter.  Less than 5% of our income is normally received by phone or online donations.  Our monthly pre-authorized giving program is just getting started, and while we've had a great start, it's not picked up enough momentum to get us through the slow summer season.

Donations, just like volunteers, normally drop off during the summer, mostly because people go on vacation, or have their kids home from school.  But homelessness and hunger do not take a holiday.  This year at Souls Harbour we find ourselves in a particularly unique position, because we are opening a satellite location in Bridgewater, Nova Scotia.  There are, of course, fixed start up costs associated with this new venture, namely, a down payment of $29,000 on our building, and a roof to replace before the end of summer.

There is, of course, a faith factor.  Yesterday my husband, The Rev, texted me, "Why not try to operate by faith?" Well, not like I have a choice, but it was a good reminder.  If this expansion into Bridgewater is God's leading, then we need to do what we can to get the word out about the strike, and leave it in His hands.

So, here it is.  Me, responsible to serve over 30,000 meals every year.  Just this week we had over 150 people in one day.  We are serving record numbers.  And each of those people - they have a face.  They have a story.  They have a need.  We go beyond the meal, and offer welcome, hope, and dignity to each of our guests. And if our staff and volunteers love each of those faces, imagine how much more God loves them and cares for them.

And so, with that, I put it out to you to partner with us this summer.  To get on board with our monthly automatic giving program--even $10 a month goes a long way.  Or call in your donation 902-999-5572.  Or go to our website and make a financial gift www.SHRM.ca. Or come by in person, have a tour, and drop off your cheque at 5568 Cunard Street.  Or hold a food or bottle drive.  Or a bake sale.  Or a carwash.  Or walk or bike in our Ride For Refuge.

I trust God.  And I trust you, our partners.  Thank you for caring for the poor and making them a priority this summer, strike or not.  Blessings to you!

Michelle  Porter
Executive Director
Souls Harbour RESCUE Mission