Once a week, a white trailer with two shower stalls arrives at Abbotsford’s MCC Center on Gladys Avenue.
People with few resources, who are often homeless and who use shelter services, can be cleaned from head to toe in privacy. Two separate shower areas, each with the comforts of home. Also, every person who uses the service will get his new pair of socks.
Abbotsford Mayor Ross Siemens said they were regaining their dignity, albeit temporarily. He expressed his appreciation at a recent gathering celebrating his generous donation to the Abbotsford-based Refresh Mobile Shower Ministry.
“I was impressed and encouraged that you stood by and looked at the needs,” he told the small group of volunteers, adding that they are making important connections in the community. This is an example that he hopes other people will follow.
“You’re a point of contact with people in our community, you’re valuable, but you don’t feel worth it,” he said. “You’re restoring dignity.”
Siemens said their work is further than they think. For example, recently the new housing minister, Murray Rankin, was able to tour Abbotsford and was able to provide funding. I was impressed with the town’s partnership to get the most out of it.
The ministry is a registered non-profit charity with a Christian vision and has provided over 2,600 showers since its launch in 2019. A busy group of volunteers.
Last week they received a donation of $10,000 from the Abbotsford Foundation to continue their work. Performer Blake Elliott presented his mobile ministry with a check from his “Mr. Blake Foundation” on January 19th.
Elliott grew up in Abbotsford and Chilliwack and has enjoyed some success as a musician over the past decade. He has been able to donate his over $500,000 to date through various charities.
Thrilled to be able to donate to the ministry, he hoisted the socks at the end of the ceremony.
“She would always buy me socks,” he said, adding that the socks must have been purchased years ago at Goslings in downtown Abbotsford.
“I thought, ‘Let’s donate that sweet little soul,'” he said.
For more information, visit refreshmobileshowerministry.ca.
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Abbotsford Mayor Ross Siemens speaks at the local mobile shower ministry’s check presentation at King’s Church in Abbotsford. (Ben Lipka/Abbottsford News)
The Refresh Mobile Shower Ministry, which operates out of Abbotsford, partners with other service providers to bring showers to the homeless. (Ben Lipka/Abbottsford News)
Performer Blake Elliott presented Abbotsford’s Refresh Mobile Shower Ministry with a $10,000 check from the “Mr. Blake Foundation” on January 19. (Ben Lypka/Abbotsford News)