Gateway of Hope celebrates 5.

by British Columbia
Categories: Feature
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Tuesday’s lunch was not an ordinary lunch at The Salvation Army Gateway of Hope.

Gateway staff and volunteers were joined by Minister Rich Coleman, Minister Peter Fassbender and Minister Mary Polak to celebrate 5 years of service to the Langley community. The provincial ministers were joined by community stakeholders and key community partners including Envision Financial and Canadian Tire. Township of Langley Mayor Jack Froese and City of Langley Mayor Ted Schaffer were also in attendance.

Minister’s Coleman and Fassbender spoke on the key partnerships that were instrumental in bringing Gateway of Hope into reality 5 years ago. “The Gateway of Hope is an example of what can be accomplished when we work together. For the last five years, people in need have found comfort, shelter and access to support services at Gateway,” said Minister Responsible for Housing and MLA for Fort Langley-Aldergrove Rich Coleman. “I thank The Salvation Army for its efforts and look forward to continuing to support Langley’s housing needs with them.”

“I was pleased to work along with my colleagues, the Salvation Army and BC Housing to see the Gateway of Hope project become a reality. It does not seem possible that is has been operating for 5 years already. I commend the Salvation Army for their dedication and hard work on behalf of our marginalized citizens.” said Mary Polak, MLA, Langley.

Minister of Education and former City of Langley Mayor, Peter Fassbender spoke at the luncheon on the beginnings of Gateway and its growth in the Langley community, “we supplied the building, but The Salvation Army put the heart in it,” finishing with “I feel so fortunate to be a part of this journey.”

Jim Coggles, Executive Director of Gateway of Hope, ended the luncheon with Gateway’s goals for the next five years, “We want to continue to be a welcoming presence in the community, where those who need help can find it”, says Coggles, “providing a warm, safe and supportive place is the first step to this initiative.”

Gateway of Hope would like to thank all those who play a part in their continuing growth including; their dedicated volunteers, the Langley community and local businesses who take time to invest in Langley’s well-being through supporting the Gateway of Hope.