Shakespeare’s words came to mind while reading the story about the arrival of the big blue bus in Abbotsford, coming to feed the homeless, poor and hungry in the late afternoon on Sundays. Once again I was left to marvel at the many volunteers who give their time to help and feed many a “thankless child” in Abbotsford.

From Mr. Sheldon Francis’s words you would never know he had eaten many Sunday lunches courtesy of the dedicated volunteers of The Open Door Church of Seventh Day Adventists. Being a small church and having taken responsibility for serving lunch 40 Sundays a year they do not serve chilli but a nice bagged lunch. Much more important is that in the years I have known them they have never failed to serve their lunches. To those I have seen turn their nose up at a bag lunch: stop bitching – you’re obviously not hungry.

Chilli is the treat reserved for the first Sunday of the month and the church group that serves lunch that Sunday. It is a very tasty treat with plenty of food and often with home-baked treats. You have the Valley Christian Centre and the churches who supply the food for their Friday suppers; Street Hope is once again (thanks to Global Harvest providing a location) serving food on Wednesday; and Monday to Saturday the Salvation Army serves lunch.

I personally want to say a special thanks to the many dedicated people who volunteer their time to come in prepare, serve and clean up the lunches at the Centre of Hope. As I watch all to many clients bitch, moan and complain I can only wonder at the spirit that moves these volunteers to continue to come in and endure such behaviour, feeding not only those who appreciate their hard work but every “thankless child”.

I welcomed the arrival of Mr. David Poulette and his big blue bus because the need in Abbotsford is large and as the Food Bank statistics show, growing. Speaking with Mr. Poulette he made clear that he would be glad to share his blue bus with any group interested in providing an evening meal lifeline@uniserve.com.

I once asked of Love Abbotsford why not spread its Love (and food) throughout the year, for the hungry are there 365 days a year not only when it is convenient. Now I ask the churches of Abbotsford, and their members what about your Love? Is it such that you are willing to make the commitment and small sacrifices to share it with those in need?

It takes a community to address and heal community issues. It is time to build a community of those with the Love to share caring for those in need, even the “thankless child”. If the spirit moves you but you do not have direction: ask homelessinabbotsford@hotmail.com – for this new “community” has need of those generous of heart.