The long-anticipated cutting of the red ribbon brought a roar of cheers from a large crowd gathered for the grand opening of the new Salvation Army Barbara Mitchell Family Resource Centre in Calgary in October. Naheed Nenshi, mayor of Calgary, and Eliza Mitchell from the W. Garfield Weston Foundation joined Salvation Army staff to celebrate the opening and dedication.

The building, formerly known as The Salvation Army Children's Village, underwent a major renovation, which includes a new kitchen, an attractive new entrance and reception area, new paint inside and out, and numerous other upgrades.

“The open concept design, along with the amazing new kitchen, creates an attractive workplace and, at the same time, produces many high-functioning work and learning areas,” explains Karen Livick, executive director of community services in Calgary. “It's comforting to know that as we grow and expand our programs at the centre, we will have the means to support the families and individuals that need our help.”

The improvements at the centre, along with funding for several years of programs, were made possible in part by a donation of $1.1 million from the W. Garfield Weston Foundation. The Weston family have supported The Salvation Army for more than 40 years.