New Officer Roundup: Majors Wilson and Winnie Perrin, Maritime Divisional Headquarters
Summer at The Salvation Army brings with it a number of new beginnings as officers around the country transfer to new appointments. Here in the Maritime Division we have 11 new officers starting in six locations. Here is our fourth instalment in a six-part series introducing you to them.
Originally from Newfoundland, Majors Wilson and Winnie Perrin have been with The Salvation Army for 39 years, serving in a number of appointments across the country during that time. They now bring their wide range of experience to Maritime Divisional Headquarters (DHQ) in the roles of Divisional Secretary for Business Administration and Divisional Secretary for Adult Ministries, respectively. It’s an exciting time at Maritime DHQ, as the Perrin’s previously held the same positions nine years ago. Although many of the faces have changed, they have been welcomed with the hospitality that can only be found on the East Coast.
One of the many benefits of moving to Halifax is that they are now closer to their children, Corinne and Chad, and their four grandchildren who live in Newfoundland. Major Wilson is a man of many hobbies, some of which include biking, fishing and golfing, while Major Winnie finds peace in a relaxing walk and the occasional trip to the mall. We caught up with the Perrin’s to learn how they are adjusting to their new (old) home.
Tell us about your previous posting in Winnipeg.
Wilson Perrin: I was the Divisional Business Administrator for the Prairie Division. That encompassed Saskatchewan, Manitoba and North-West Ontario, with the Divisional Headquarters located in downtown Winnipeg. It was similar to this office in that everyone was very courteous and kind
Winnie Perrin: My role was in Divisional Women’s Ministries, although I wore other hats as well. It was very beautiful there and the people were always very nice.
Do you have any previous experience – working or otherwise – with your new community?
Wilson: Yes, we were here from 2001 until 2004 working at DHQ. We had the opportunity to come back to the East Coast and took it.
Winnie: While we could have stayed in Winnipeg it was our personal choice to come back to the East Coast and we’re happy to be back.
What are your first impressions of Divisional Headquarters?
Wilson: My initial impressions of DHQ are good, there seems to be a great deal of respect and support amongst the staff and I think that’s important.
Winnie: For me, it was a wonderful welcome. We did know a few of the staff from before, so that helped break the ice a little bit. I sense a very welcoming and warm atmosphere here and I enjoy it so much already.
Do you notice any differences in Halifax since you left?
Winnie: Traffic is crazy!
What have you been able to accomplish so far?
Wilson: Basically, what I’m attempting to do is familiarize myself with all of the files and all of the projects that are on the go. The beauty about it for me is that I have worked in this role before so I have an advantage compared to someone coming in completely new, which has allowed me to have a head start coming into this position.
Any specific hopes or goals for this appointment, either from early impressions or from what you know of the area?
Winnie: Even though we were here before, things change. Coming back to Halifax, it’s a new building, a new staff, so the focus for me is getting to know the officers. We are both personable people so we’re both looking forward to building relationships with people. We have been officers for 39 years, so hopefully our experience will be the means to helping others. We just want to use our experience for the betterment of the community and learn something along the way.
