Submitted
The Salvation Army in Nelson will be changing leadership as Majors Robin and Yvonne Borrows take up new responsibilities in Nanaimo this summer. Replacing them will be Lt. Michelle Cale who is currently serving in Port Alberni as pastor and executive director for The Salvation Army.
Robin and Yvonne have been leading The Salvation Army in Nelson for the past eight years, far longer than the normal rotation of four to five years.
“Having been here that long you begin to identify yourself as a Nelsonite,” said Robin. “We have experienced great support from the community over the past eight years and look forward to hearing that this will continue under Lt. Michelle Cale’s leadership.”
Majors Robin and Yvonne will be leaving for their new appointment in Nanaimo, June 26. Cale meanwhile will arrive in the middle of July.
“Transitioning from one community to another in this work is always difficult. However, we know that Michelle is looking forward to being here. She comes with a background in social services, centred around housing with both non-profit and civil service experience. She will fit in very well into what is happening in Nelson and will bring a fresh perspective to the ministry here.”
The Salvation Army currently serves between 100 and 120 meals four days per week from their Vernon Street address. Between the hot meal program, food bank and school lunch program, the Army is feeding approximately 1,000 people per month.
“We find those numbers staggering,” said Robin. “When you consider a population of around 10,000 with 10 per cent of that number needing help with the basic necessities of life, then something is broken.”
A drop-in farewell reception for the Borrows will be held at the Hume Hotel on Friday, June 22 from 3 to 6 p.m. If you would like to take this opportunity to say farewell to Yvonne and Robin, please join them at this event.
