Since 2003, The Salvation Army has operated a breakfast program out of its Fraser Street building in Vancouver. “We started with coffee and doughnuts but now we serve complete breakfasts, from juice, coffee and tea to bacon and eggs and everything in-between,” says Major Russ Holland, the community and family services director.
The food is donated by stores and restaurants in the community, and 50 to 80 people show up. Local volunteers help staff these breakfasts, which are held three times a week, and nurse volunteers are on hand to assess medical concerns. Major Russ can refer people in need to other Army facilities should that be required.
Award-winning photographer Kim Stallknecht recently chronicled a typical morning at the facility for this exclusive Faith & Friends feature.
“It's an incredibly warm and inviting atmosphere,” she says. “Laughter, hug and conversations filled the room. Spiritual teachings were read before breakfast, and everyone present was respectful, quiet and grateful. Throughout the morning, people continued to come in and join their friends over bottomless cups of coffee and generous breakfast portions. For these folks, it's a safe and familiar community that comes together out of the rain and chill for a fortifying breakfast to start their day.”
Steven Marshall is all smiles as he loads up his plates during the Salvation Army breakfast program. Major Russ Holland jokes about how much food he can eat!
Benjamin Mes (left) consoles Earl McKay at the end of their breakfast. Giving him a much appreciated hug, they go their separate ways, to meet again the next morning. Good friends and good food, the regulars have companionship
Margaret McBean, a volunteer with the Salvation Army for 17 years, greets her friend during the breakfast program. She is vibrant and is quick to give much needed hugs
Floyd Duncan is the life of the party! Arriving wet from the rain with a big smile, this joyful soul explained he traveled from Prince George, B.C., to Vancouver and was soon going to Vancouver Island. This breakfast location is just one stop along his way
Major Russ Holland has a heart-to-heart with Ellen Goodstriker and her son Bob, centre, during the breakfast program
Before the doors open, the Salvation Army volunteers have a prayer with Derik Hyatt (centre), the Community & Resources Coordinator
Terry Bee (right) enjoys his conversation with Joseph Fong, Senior Clinical Social Work Supervisor, during the Salvation Army breakfast program, which attracts regulars from far and wide
Commissioner Lee Graves, territorial commander, spoke with Lt-Colonel Brenda Murray, director of the international development department, about the Self-Denial Campaign for the Salvationist podcast. Here is an excerpt from their conversation. Listen to the full interview below: Commissioner Lee Graves: When we think back to the beginning
The Home Front is an ongoing series where we highlight the mission and ministry taking place around our territory. We will visit each Canadian province and territory, as well as Bermuda, and celebrate the innovation and impact the Army is having in corps, social services and youth ministry. This month, we are highlighting Newfoundland and Labrador.
A Salvation Army church in Angola was in need, and a Salvation Army church in Toronto answered the call. “We need to put faith into action, and that is what we did at East Toronto for our brothers and sisters in Angola,” says the pastor, Lieutenant Patrick Penton.
Steven Marshall is all smiles as he loads up his plates during the Salvation Army breakfast program. Major Russ Holland jokes about how much food he can eat!
Benjamin Mes (left) consoles Earl McKay at the end of their breakfast. Giving him a much appreciated hug, they go their separate ways, to meet again the next morning. Good friends and good food, the regulars have companionship
Margaret McBean, a volunteer with the Salvation Army for 17 years, greets her friend during the breakfast program. She is vibrant and is quick to give much needed hugs
Floyd Duncan is the life of the party! Arriving wet from the rain with a big smile, this joyful soul explained he traveled from Prince George, B.C., to Vancouver and was soon going to Vancouver Island. This breakfast location is just one stop along his way
Major Russ Holland has a heart-to-heart with Ellen Goodstriker and her son Bob, centre, during the breakfast program
Before the doors open, the Salvation Army volunteers have a prayer with Derik Hyatt (centre), the Community & Resources Coordinator
Terry Bee (right) enjoys his conversation with Joseph Fong, Senior Clinical Social Work Supervisor, during the Salvation Army breakfast program, which attracts regulars from far and wide
Steven Marshall is all smiles as he loads up his plates during the Salvation Army breakfast program. Major Russ Holland jokes about how much food he can eat!
Benjamin Mes (left) consoles Earl McKay at the end of their breakfast. Giving him a much appreciated hug, they go their separate ways, to meet again the next morning. Good friends and good food, the regulars have companionship
Margaret McBean, a volunteer with the Salvation Army for 17 years, greets her friend during the breakfast program. She is vibrant and is quick to give much needed hugs
Floyd Duncan is the life of the party! Arriving wet from the rain with a big smile, this joyful soul explained he traveled from Prince George, B.C., to Vancouver and was soon going to Vancouver Island. This breakfast location is just one stop along his way
Major Russ Holland has a heart-to-heart with Ellen Goodstriker and her son Bob, centre, during the breakfast program
Before the doors open, the Salvation Army volunteers have a prayer with Derik Hyatt (centre), the Community & Resources Coordinator
Terry Bee (right) enjoys his conversation with Joseph Fong, Senior Clinical Social Work Supervisor, during the Salvation Army breakfast program, which attracts regulars from far and wide
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