The Terrace Salvation Army will be celebrating their 60th anniversary from May 31 to June 2.
“I think it’s significant that we are strong in the community, we’ve been a part of the community for now 60 years and that is a huge blessing and it’s encouraging,” says Rick Apperson, local lieutenant of the Salvation Army.
“Our morals and values have not changed, the Bible is our standard… but I think how we operate in the community has grown, changed and expanded over the years.”
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He says when the Salvation Army first began in Terrace, it was just a small church, restaurant and food bank but since has grown to open its thrift store, providing community work and even participating in emergency disaster services in the region.
Apperson, who was appointed to Terrace with his wife Sarah in 2018, was a part of the response team during the wildfires last year. He was sent with another member to provide emotional support for evacuees in Prince George.
“[We were] meeting with people and chatting with them, helping give immediate comfort to those who are stressed about the evacuations and offering water bottles. Just trying to encourage them in that process,” he says, “[When] I see the resiliency of people, that also gives me hope that despite everything that people go through, [it] shows a strength of character… that’s encouraging to us.”
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The organization hosted multiple events throughout Terrace to celebrate their anniversary on the weekend, including a 60 per cent off sale at The Salvation Army’s thrift store, a short parade and activities at George Little Park with live music, free food and a bouncy castle.
natalia@terracestandard.com
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