To the Editor of The News:
I had the good fortune to speak with Mark de Bruijn, Food Services Manager of the Salvation Army Centre of Hope, a few weeks ago. I am impressed with the work he is doing to provide people with some good old-fashioned home cooked meals.
The chicken for this particular meal was provided by my brother, Dr. Stewart Ritchie (AKA Chicken Stew) of Canadian Poultry Consultants. Stewart donates the chicken each year on the anniversary of our mother’s passing in February 2006.
As I was chatting with the volunteers and a few of the folks who enjoyed the meal I came to realize how such a donation can make a large difference in the lives of those who wouldn’t normally have the ways or means to partake of such a meal.
The gratitude that was expressed by everyone there was more than heart warming. I know that our mother (Maud Ritchie) would have loved to be part of this event for she was always one to ‘put another spud in the pot’ when folks dropped by our home close to meal times.
Remembering our loved ones in such a tangible and heartfelt manner is something I would like to encourage others to do. For every donation, large and small, goes a long way to help those in need.
Sincerely,
Laurna Ritchie
#83-3902 Latimer Street
Abbotsford, B.C. V2S 7L5
604-855-9421
