Barrie Mayor recognizes Salvation Army workers for their Community Support During Pandemic
The Salvation Army Bayside Mission in Barrie has received some local recognition for their hard work in supporting the community during the pandemic. Barrie Mayor Jeff Lehman sent certificates of appreciation to the workers at Bayside Mission to highlight the efforts of shelter workers.
“There aren’t enough words or gratitude to recognize the work done by staff and volunteers in our shelter system through the course of the pandemic,” said Mayor Lehman. “From the first days of COVID, the pandemic required people to deliver services differently and be creative in changing how and what they do. That took ingenuity but it also required bravery and commitment – continuing to work with clients new and old despite the risks that entailed.”
Bayside Mission Executive Director and Salvation Army officer Captain Stephanie Watkinson says the staff just keep on working despite the risks of COVID19. “They keep showing up and giving 100 percent to the mission and the clients they serve. They are doing the best they can even though they might be carrying fears of their own, especially with the new COVID variant appearing in our area.”
The Bayside Mission which has a 28-bed men’s shelter and emergency family shelter program, also has a large community meal program.
“We’re managing really well so far through the pandemic. Our family shelter is divided up into individual apartments in 3 locations around the city,” said Captain Stephanie. “All safety protocols are in place at our men’s shelter and the residents are adhering to them. We have reduced the number of shelter beds and to date have not had any outbreaks of COVID19 among residents or staff.”
The community meal program which is now served in a take-out format has grown exponentially during the pandemic. The lunch and dinner program operates 7-days a week and they are now serving 400 meals a day. In 2020, over 122,000 meals were served which is 20,000 more than the previous year.
“There has definitely been a greater need during the pandemic, and it takes a lot of hands to prepare all of these meals,” said Captain Stephanie.
The Bayside Mission has one cook and sometimes a second cook that comes in to help out. Volunteers and community members are not permitted inside the building at the moment but some of the residents have volunteered to help prepare and package meals for the community
“Everyone’s spirits remain high and they are doing an amazing job. The staff are very good at lifting each other and the clients up and keeping it positive,” said Captain Stephanie. “That kind of support is so important.”
Captain Stephanie says some of the shelter staff have hung the certificates up in their offices as it meant so much to them to be recognized.
“Helping the most vulnerable can be a tough job when things are good – and is even tougher when they aren’t,” said Mayor Lehman. “Their commitment and compassion has not just transformed lives, it’s saved lives. Thank you, a hundred times over to those working in shelters, for the work you do.”
To support The Salvation Army, donate online at www.salvationarmy.ca where you can donate to a specific program or location. You can also donate by calling 1-800-SAL-ARMY.
By: Caroline Franks
