Carving Out a Place for Himself – With the Help of The Salvation Army

Gord Seeburger is a talented craftsman and woodworker who runs his own business and ships products all over the world. He is also a client of The Salvation Army Food Bank in Fort Frances. Trained by his father, Gord became an apprentice master artist and wood carver at 15. He sold his carvings at his mother’s flower and craft shop, which helped him pay his way through school. As an adult, Gord kept wood carving as a hobby.

Ten years ago, Gord became disabled and wheelchair-bound. A few years later, he turned his wood carving hobby into a full-time business to supplement his monthly disability income. His business Totem Gord Wood Carving, is run out of his home, and he sells his products online via Facebook, Instagram and Etsy.

“With the rising cost of living and my disability income not keeping up with inflation, I have found The Salvation Army a great place to help with my budget with household tools, supplies and clothing.  Also, the local food bank has been a great help with my budget,” says Gord.

With the support he receives from The Salvation Army, Gord can focus more time on building his business. He says he has less stress knowing he has somewhere to turn for assistance, and he’s working on becoming more financially independent.

“If I see other people in need or having a tough time making ends meet, I would recommend seeking social and or physical assistance from Salvation Army. It is so nice working with the super friendly staff at Salvation Army, who are not judgmental of religion or way of life,” he says.

To learn more about Totem Gord Wood Carving and to see more of his work, you can visit his social media pages and online store or find him at the Fort Frances Thursday Market at Rainy Lake Square in summer and fall. His art is also on display at the Fine Line Art Gallery.

“My video game characters, wood burned signs, tiki and Easter Island heads, and totem poles are very popular. My custom-made signs and dream catchers are also very popular. I use as much reclaimed wood as possible to help the environment. Some of my custom signs are made from 100-year-old cedar barn boards,” Gord explains.

The Salvation Army in Fort Frances operates a church, Thrift Store, and Food Bank and offers other family services. They are located at 242 Scott Street and can be reached at (807) 291-0012 or (807) 291-0015 to reach the Thrift Store.