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After a year-long hiatus, the Annual Dignity Breakfast returned this year, and attendees were truly thrilled and grateful for this in-person fundraising event held at the Sky Hangar in Pitt Meadows on Wednesday.
The 9th Annual Dignity Breakfast, hosted by Salvation Army Ministries Ridge Meadows on November 24, brought together several dignitaries from Maple Ridge and Pitt Meadows. Prepared for good conversation, food and fundraising, the event also served a lot of hope.
The event started with Executive Director Mark Stewart welcoming everyone, a prayer and land recognition from Coleen Pierre, speeches from Mayor Mike Morden and Councilor Michael Hayes, speeches from MPs representatives and local MPs, then plunged directly into what and who the Army hi represented.
Bethany Jane, now a Salvation Army social worker, has brought tears to the public with her story of addiction, recovery and hope.
“Change is possible. I never chose to be a drug addict. I made the choice to take that first pill, but after that I had no choice, ”said Jane, who had been through addiction, depression, recovery, relapse.
Despite coming from a happy and healthy family, Jane said she has embarked on the path of drug addiction, but has also found the strength to recover.
“I hope I can be an example for people in difficulty; I hope they know that recovery is possible and that the strength to fight is in each of you, ”she said.
Jane’s story touched everyone, the participants gave her a standing ovation.
Stories from the event’s keynote speaker, Kristi Blakeway, who is the principal of Laity View Elementary School in Maple Ridge, as well as the founder of the Beyond Hello program, also listened to the room with great attention.
Blakeway, who wrote the book “Beyond Hello,” also announced at the event that she would donate 50% per book sold to The Salvation Army, for the month of November.
At the event, Ken Holland was the master of ceremonies and Major Sheldon Feener, commander of the BC South region of the British Columbia Salvation Army division, gave a short speech.
The Haney Rotary Club presented a check for $ 10,000 to The Salvation Army for their packed lunch program at the event.
A count of the total amount raised through the fundraiser will be available in the coming weeks.
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The 9th Annual Salvation Army Dignity Luncheon saw several dignitaries from Maple Ridge and Pitt Meadows at the SKY Hangar. (Priyanka Ketkar / The News)
Ken Holland was the emcee of the 9th annual Salvation Army Crest Ministries Dignity Breakfast. (Priyanka Ketkar / The News)
Ridge Meadows RCMP at the 9th Annual Dignity Luncheon. (Priyanka Ketkar / The News)
Councilor Michael Hayes speaking on behalf of Mayor Bill Dingwall and Pitt Meadows Council at the 9th Annual Dignity Breakfast. (Priyanka Ketkar / The News)
Maple Ridge Mayor Mike Morden speaking at the 9th Annual Dignity Breakfast. (Priyanka Ketkar / The News)
Bethany Jane, sharing her story of resilience and hope with those in attendance at the 9th Annual Dignity Breakfast. (Priyanka Ketkar / The News) Bethany Jane, sharing her story of resilience and hope with those in attendance at the 9th Annual Dignity Breakfast. (Priyanka Ketkar / The News)
The 9th Annual Salvation Army Dignity Luncheon saw several dignitaries from Maple Ridge and Pitt Meadows at the SKY Hangar. (Priyanka Ketkar / The News)
The 9th Annual Salvation Army Dignity Luncheon saw several dignitaries from Maple Ridge and Pitt Meadows at the SKY Hangar. (Priyanka Ketkar / The News)
The 9th Annual Salvation Army Dignity Luncheon saw several dignitaries from Maple Ridge and Pitt Meadows at the SKY Hangar. (Priyanka Ketkar / The News) The 9th Annual Salvation Army Dignity Luncheon brought together several dignitaries from Maple Ridge and Pitt Meadows at the SKY Hangar. (Priyanka Ketkar / The News)
The 9th Annual Salvation Army Dignity Luncheon saw several dignitaries from Maple Ridge and Pitt Meadows at the SKY Hangar. (Priyanka Ketkar / The News)
The 9th Annual Salvation Army Dignity Luncheon saw several dignitaries from Maple Ridge and Pitt Meadows at the SKY Hangar. (Priyanka Ketkar / The News)
Beyond Hello’s Kristi Blakeway was the keynote speaker at the 9th Annual Dignity Breakfast. (Priyanka Ketkar / The News)
Beyond Hello’s Kristi Blakeway was the keynote speaker at the 9th Annual Dignity Breakfast. (Priyanka Ketkar / The News)
