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FRIENDS of St. Andrew - FRIENDS is co-coordinated by Brian Head and Barbara Uibel.
The mandate for Friends continues to be the focus of the 12 volunteers that make the ministry a success. The mandate includes preparation of food and distribution., social contact, seasonal clothing, connections to foster transition to supportive housing. Five of the volunteers are not
members of the congregation.
Contact with the Ministry of Social Development and Poverty Reduction, the R.C.M.P., Constable Tim Cosgrove Community Policing officer, Aurora Housing on an as needed basis. Over the past year four individuals were deemed to be appropriate candidates for acceptance to supportive housing. All were accepted. In addition to accommodation, they have weekly access to social and medical services. Currently there are three others being considered.
The necessities are delivered Monday and Friday early afternoon by two volunteers. The route is flexible, determined by the needs of those we serve. A number of our Friends have been able to attend the Community Kitchen on Wednesdays. For some this was a significant change in their confidence of being comfortable in a large room with a large number of strangers. Some sit among those who regularly attend, others at the table closest to the hall door.
Since the inception of Friends in 2021, another benefit to all concerned has been the evolution of trust. This has been a major factor in our success. We work on first name only, do not intrude on personal matters unless invited. Act as liaison with other organizations including Saanich Bible Fellowship, a major source of clothing. Support from the community at large has been very gratifying, this includes clothing and financial support. Our congregation has been generous in providing support in kind and money. This is crucial to our being able to meet some of the basic needs of our customers without interruptions to the weekly schedule.