Psalm 23 Transition Society raised $17,300 at its alumni and community appreciation awards, held on Dec. 6.
The organization awarded community groups and celebrated Joshua Wardle, who was selected for the highest recognition by Psalm 23 as this year’s Courageous Alumni Starfish Award winner.
The group gave awards to various community members, including John and Linda Driediger for their part in volunteering and leading programs that support alumni through the ARM Ministry, Friesen Electric Ltd. and ServiceMaster FV, and a donor and supporter of the year award to the Best Western Plus Regency on Marshall Road and Fusion Hair Design.
Attendees heard the testimonies of two students of the program, and were served a meal by Fifty9 Mile Catering Team, which consists of students who are in the program and staff of Psalm 23.
Marvin Declare, Psalm 23’s executive director, said the evening was to celebrate life changes and say thank you to the community.
“Charities like ours depend on community support and we believe in the value of sharing the recognition they deserve.”
As a non-profit Canadian charity, Psalm 23 experiences a major drop in financial support through the winter months and asked the families and businesses to consider Psalm 23 in their charitable year-end givings.
Declare said that through the Fifty9 Mile Business Centre Ltd., Psalm 23 is creating small businesses that will give all net profit back to the society.
“My hope is that community can see that we are being pro-active to building a future and that we can do this together. Our greatest need at this time is to ask people to pray for the students as they battle the difficult journey of change and Psalm 23’s financial shortfall to meet the budget obligations.”
To make a year-end donation to Psalm 23, send a cheque to Psalm 23 at 3427 Clearbrook Road, V2T 4P1 or call 604-870-5616 and use your Visa or MasterCard. All year-end donations must be received and post marked by 9 p.m. Dec. 31, 2013.