An Open Letter to the Lasqueti community

 

Dear Friends on Lasqueti   

I was informed recently that we had a break-in at the Church of the Good Shepherd by one or more persons in October.   a couple of panes of glass were broken, the door pried open, and the lock and door knob removed. 

  It appears from the evidence of a hoodie and some food items that this may have been done by a couple of young people seeking shelter rather than an attempt to force entry in order to steal items, as there does not appear to be any evidence of theft.       A couple of islanders have expressed to me their feelings of concern and loss regarding the damage, and I am sure others may be feeling the same way, and some of us may understandably be exercising an extra sense of vigilance about our own property.         Part of our response is to make the repairs and secure the building once more.       At another level of response, it is good for us to be on the look out for those who need shelter or food and respond to them in a kindly way that also observes good boundaries as it offers helpful ideas.      Local churches in Parksville work co-operatively to provide a consistent and co-ordinated response to needs by supporting and promoting the resources in Parksville available through the SOS (http://www.sosd69.com/index.html) and the Salvation Army in terms of a cold-weather shelter, food, emergency help, and access to social services.  If you know of anyone who needs encouragement to access these off-island resources, please do not be shy about pointing them in a helpful direction.   The Family Services Dept of the Salvation Army is a short walk from the ferry dock at French Creek (see http://clbc.cioc.ca/record/CLB8037 for more details).       It may be helpful to have a reminder of how to contact these resources as an expression of helpfulness and compassionate care.     Thanks   Andrew    The Rev. Andrew Twiddy

Anglican Parish of St Anne & St. Edmund with the Church of the Good Shepherd, Lasqueti Island     Community Resources     Society of Organized Services Child, Youth & Family Centre

245 West Hirst Avenue,  
PO Box 898, 
Parksville, BC V9P 2G9
250 248-2093 

Open Mon to Fri 8:30-4:30       Salvation Army, The - Family Services Dept 5-886 Wembley Rd, Parksville,BC V9P 2E6   250-248-8793