Viola’s Place board says work underway to get shelter running
Board members with Viola’s Place Society put the key into the door of their new building this week.
Karen MacPhee, chair of the VPS, and fellow board members held their first meeting at the former Life Shelter Church after purchasing the building at the end of April.
She said the board has plenty to do in order to get Viola’s Place up and running, but work has begun with adding new members to its board and firming up its volunteer list.
It currently has a call out for volunteers to help with building cleaning, yard cleanup as well as for shelter volunteers, break program volunteers, meal prep for the shelter, etc.
MacPhee said people interested in serving more of an administrative role are welcome to contact the society about volunteer committees.
There is no definite opening date for the shelter yet but items will be moving into the new location in the near future.
MacPhee said there are things coming from the now-closed temporary shelter on East River Road as well as donations being dropped off, including blankets and canned food.
Meanwhile, the shelter is off to a good start financially, she said, thanks to the generosity of residents, businesses and community groups locally and abroad.
The Pictou County Council of Churches recently gave its endorsement to Viola’s Place Society following a presentation by MacPhee to the organization.
Bob Rogers, chair of the Pictou County Council of Churches, which represents the county’s mainline churches, said members unanimously endorsed the mission of Viola’s Place Society and encourage the county to support the shelter both financially and spiritually through prayer.
Donations to Viola’s Place Society can be made at any Scotiabank in Pictou County. People interested in volunteering can contact the society through its Facebook page at Viola’s Place Society or email at violasplacesociety@gmail.com.