SNearly 30 Years of Service
on Behalf of the Homeless
 |
|
THE AWARD PRESENTATION (L) Union Gospel Mission Board Chairman Robert Pasman presents Maurice McElrea (R), President Emeritus, with a crystal flame for his nearly three decades of leadership at Union Gospel Mission and his commitment to the hungry, hurting and homeless. |
VANCOUVER - Over 550 guests celebrated the retirement of former Union Gospel Mission President Belfast-born Maurice McElrea at Canada Place on November 4.
The former leader was recognized for his tireless work on behalf of the hungry, hurting, and homeless for almost 30 years.
McElrea, who points any praise offered him back to God, was presented with a crystal flame from the Union Gospel Mission board of directors, and a gift certificate from the staff to travel back to his native Ireland.
Over $24,000 was raised for the Maurice and Lois McElrea Scholarship Fund, an initiative created to make post-secondary education accessible to one male and one female graduate of UGM's recovery program each year.
Emceed by Dennis Wilson, a life-long family friend of McElrea's, the event also featured Irish highlights including the Penk O'Donnell School of Irish Dance and Irish tenor Tom McCracken.
Union Gospel Mission has been reaching men, women, youth and children in need of help for nearly 70 years.
Through its 12 locations in Metro Vancouver and the city of Mission, UGM provides counselling, education, safe housing, and alcohol and drug recovery to those struggling with poverty, homelessness and addiction.
The heart of the mission is to demonstrate God's transforming love, ease the burden of
the most vulnerable, rebuild the lives of the broken and offer dignity to those who feel cast aside.
UGM is a proud member of the Canadian Council of Christian Charities. For more information, visit www.ugm.ca.
|
