Abbotsford’s Telecare Crisis and Caring Line hosts a special dinner on Wednesday, Nov. 6 to commemorate 35 years of service to the community.
Established in 1989 through the collaborative efforts of local churches, Telecare was created to provide a helpline offering spiritual support for individuals facing life challenges.
Each year, the call centre receives approximately 1,800 calls from across the province and beyond.
Executive director Bill Strom said the organization's mission is "to provide empathetic listening support to anyone who reaches out, regardless of their background or the issues they face."
"While the service is not a prayer line, call responders are available to pray or share scripture if requested by callers. Research indicates that individuals who actively engage in spirituality tend to exhibit greater resilience," he said.
The evening features Dr. Dave Currie, president of Doing Family Right, an organization focused on supporting individuals dealing with pornography and sexual addiction.
Currie will speak on the critical need for compassionate care in an era marked by loneliness and anxiety, particularly among youth.
In addition to the celebration, Telecare will publicly announce the introduction of Chat Support, complementing its existing phone support services.
The initiative responds to the growing preference for digital communication across all age groups and the comfort level afforded by chat messaging. The call centre aims to launch Chat Support by early 2025, initially offering limited evening hours when demand is highest.
The anniversary event takes place at the Clayburn Village Schoolhouse starting at 6 p.m.
The public is welcome to attend, and registration is free by emailing admin@telecarebc.com. A free-will offering will be collected.
