The Reminder is making its archives back to 2003 available on our website. Please note that, due to technical limitations, archive articles are presented without the usual formatting.
Jonathon Naylor Editor One by one they walked in, their bones cold but their faces grateful. Someone cared about them. The Salvation Army and United Steelworkers Local 7106 last week launched a new weekly meal program for residents in need of food, companionship or both. 'There's a high demand for meals, warm meals in particular, in the winter,' said Nicole Kendrick, a Salvation Army church member who coordinates the program. Based in the Legion Hall, the program _ known simply as Soup Days _ offers warm bowls of soup, bread and beverages to Flin Flon's needy. 'If they can come in and we create a nice atmosphere where people can visit with each other, I think that will be very healthy for the community and some individuals who seem to fall through the cracks,' said Cpt. BJ Loder of the Salvation Army. But Soup Days are in fact open to anyone and everyone, from children to seniors, who would like to enjoy a complimentary meal with some company. No questions No questions are asked and no one is turned away. For those who aren't comfortable accepting charity, a donation kettle is always set up, with proceeds going back into Soup Days. Kendrick came up with the idea after living in Regina, where the Salvation Army drives around the city with soup, coffee and hot chocolate on the coldest days of the year. 'And I just kind of thought, why can't Flin Flon have something like that?' she said. Kendrick found much support from Cpt. Loder. 'When people rise up to help (others), we want to encourage them as much as possible,' he said. 'We're really excited about it, to see where this goes.' Also excited are the United Steelworkers, who have agreed to cover rental costs for the hall and supply volunteers to serve meals. The union had previously shown an interest in partnering with the Salvation Army. When Cpt. Loder approached them about Soup Days, Matt Winterton, the union's recording secretary, saw it as an ideal chance to give back. 'We just want to get the best attendance we can and give the most we can to the community,' Winterton said. Cpt. Loder likes the location of the Legion Hall given the high volume of foot traffic nearby and the proximity to the Lord's Bounty Food Bank. He felt it was important that a Salvation Army donation kettle be set up near the door. Donations are by no means expected, he said, but some people may not come unless they are able to pay for the opportunity. Looking ahead, Cpt. Loder said the program may expand if there is sufficient demand. There has also been thought given to adding live entertainment for the diners. For now, Soup Days will now run every Thursday until the end of March, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Legion Hall.
