Hands of Hope
in Winnipeg

WINNIPEG, Manitoba, Canada—Hands of Hope is the largest provider of free furniture to families in need in Winnipeg. This charitable organization was founded by Charles and Sandra Norris, longtime members of the Winnipeg congregation, with a great deal of support from Pastor Alan Redmond, the men’s small group, women’s prayer group and many members of the church.

About three years ago, Charles discovered that hundreds of adults and children in Winnipeg were living without furniture, often sleeping on the floor. There were all kinds of people—senior citizens with no family to help them, refugees, people with health challenges, those escaping abusive relationships, young single mothers and aboriginals coming off reserves.

The Norrises started taking furniture to people, 70 families the first year, 200 the next, and this year it appears Hands of Hope will help 800 families.

Those receiving furniture are told, "This is what Jesus would do." When one young woman heard those words, she burst into tears, crying that her parents had been missionaries, but she had turned to drugs and prostitution. She said she now was beginning to believe God was calling her to change and turn to him.

Another single mother came home to find everything stolen out of her house; she was depressed when she phoned for help. When she found out our church actually cared enough to help her, she decided to attend.

The practical help Hands of Hope is giving is shedding a good light on the WCG and Christianity. The WCG youth group, led by Matt Feakes, an Ambassador graduate and youth leader, helps deliver furniture, as have a dedicated group of six volunteers plus the board of directors, composed of WCG members, and many others helping with accounting, fund-raising, telephone answering and occasional furniture delivery. During the festival, a group from near and far participated in a truck rally that delivered furniture to 11 families in three hours.

A lot more could be done to alleviate the poverty and despair of thousands of people in this troubled city where more than one in five children live below the poverty line, and many do not even have a bed to sleep on.

Charles spoke to two Mennonite churches, and both have begun to contribute money. So have individuals in and out of the church. Other charities and government agencies give moral support and finances toward a new delivery vehicle and warehouse.

The Winnipeg church has been energized by making Hands of Hope its main outreach mission.

   
       
Photos courtesy of the Winnipeg Free Press

Copyright © Worldwide Church of God, 2002