Doug McGillis, longtime Community Ministries Director for the Campbell River Salvation Army is retiring at the end of July and ‘handing over the reins.’
Community Ministries Director Kevin Mack, who previously worked for The Salvation Army in Kelowna, B.C, takes over from McGillis.
“I’d like to thank the community of Campbell River for their support and generosity over the past eight years,” said McGillis.
“While we’ve experienced many changes and challenges over the years we have built a wonderful team of competent and capable individuals who will work with Kevin to carry on the work of the Salvation Army in our community.”
Mack says he is happy to be in Campbell River and anticipating his new role.
“I’m really excited about being in this beautiful community and looking forward to the challenges of the job,” said Kevin Mack.
“Doug is well respected in this community I know I have big shoes to fill.”
The Community Ministries Director gives direction to the Salvation Army social services efforts in Campbell River and outlying areas which are:
n Two Thrift Stores: The Family Thrift Store on Homewood Road and The New Beginnings Thrift Store, a Boutique Style Store above and behind the Willows Market in Willow Point.
Funds raised from sales at these stores support our local community ministries.
n The Lighthouse Centre: Serves approximately 20,000 hot meals a year Monday through Friday, offers showers, personal hygiene supplies, laundry, and referrals to treatment for drug and alcohol abuse on a daily basis.
The Centre also provides 15 low barrier extreme weather shelter mats in partnership with BC housing during the coldest and wettest months of the year.
n Sandwich Van- Serves over 12,000 meals per year to street-involved individuals in Campbell River handing out blankets, personal hygiene supplies and clothing and offering hope and hugs.
n Family Services Emergency Assistance- Last year alone we assisted over 400 households with vouchers for clothing, linens, household supplies through our thrift stores and other emergency assistance on a case-by-cases basis such as emergency food hampers.
n Emergency Shelter- providing up to 22 warm beds per night, showers, laundry facilities, clothing and approximately 5,000 home cooked meals per year for individuals and families at our Evergreen House facility in partnership with B.C. Housing.
n Crisis Stabilization Services- 4 beds available for women in crisis in partnership with Vancouver Island Health Authority and Campbell River Hospital Crisis Nurses.
n Emergency Disaster Services- The local Salvation Army provides emotional/spiritual support and Meet and Greet services in the event of a disaster.