Behind the red shield cont.


Salvation Army Thrift Stores are synonymous with the church. Regardless of community, if a Salvation Army church stands, a group of volunteers are dedicated to distributing clothing and household items to those in need. Helping people is a Major’s prime directive but people need support in more ways than one these days.


“I recently took over the chaplaincy at the Medicine Hat Remand Centre — contracted by the Solicitor General — and provide spiritual care to those who wind up in there for whatever reason.” Murray says. “If something happens we are the ones who are called to share the news with the incarcerated individual and help them through their grief. I also lead a service on Sunday, lead Bible studies and conduct visitations all week long.”


Although contracted to spend only 12 hours each week at the centre, the role Murray and Annetta play there has turned into a full-time job.


“By the time I go to visit these people, the insanity or whatever it was that took hold of them is gone,” Murray says. “Most of the crimes they commit are due to drugs and alcohol. Once they are on the inside they are just like you and I but are left to face up to what they did.”


The wage they earn goes into church coffers and even more good work is done. From Murray’s office you can hear the squeals of young children playing nearby, enrolled in the SA Daycare which offers a Christian-based child-care opportunity to Medicine Hat parents.


“We have a waiting list and always have had. The ladies who work here are well trained and very experienced — they do a wonderful job with the children. We are one of only four daycares left in the country but at one time almost every church had one.”


Although Jaster may seem like a more selfless version of Superman he admits he too relies on others.


“Our Kettle Campaign is integral to the community and the programs the SA offers here. It is our only major fundraiser of the year and has always been our only means of providing for the Family Services division. When the campaign is over each year that is our budget. There was a time when it provided only for the Christmas Hamper program but now it is our bread and butter.”


The Jasters work together to make the city a better community in which to live. Major Jaster admits they couldn’t have accomplished any of the goals they have without the support of generous Hatters who drop a few bucks into a red bucket without giving a second thought to all of the ways it could help their community. ■


72 | 2013 REPORT ON SOUTHEAST ALBERTA Seniors proving age By STACEY LEE


Innabelle Lutz is a regular floor curler at the Strathcona Centre and hopes to see more Hatters join in the fun.


The value of any gathering place is always assessed by those who meet there and, over the years, the faces of the Veiner and Strathcona Centres have proven them priceless.


Every member uses the facilities in a different way yet most say the same thing: ‘What would I do without this place?’ The approximately 50 clubs which regularly meet inside mean the front doors are in constant motion and the hallways are busy — reminiscent of those at any one of the local high schools.


Seventy-one-year-old Innabelle Lutz coordinates a group of energetic floor curlers who meet at the Strathcona Centre twice weekly. She says she got bored after retiring and finds the activities at the centre, including floor curling of course, help keep her feeling young and alive.


Lutz, who has been visiting the centres for about 10 years, says the activities she participates in fill her spare time. More than anything, however, she enjoys being able to socialize with people who share common interests and get some exercise.


Seventy-five-year-old LaVerne Noble is the president of the Duplicate Bridge Club and one of the few enthusiastic Bridge teachers left in the area. It can be hard to get hold


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