It was good to see the Abbotsford Pentecostal Assembly pancake breakfast recommence after its summer hiatus. Thank you to the Pastor and his assistants.

Two observations I feel compelled to advance for consideration.

With respect to the decision not to send the bus around to pick up those needing transportation to get to the APA, thus avoiding the wrong sort of needy from partaking in your pancake breakfast and as a consequence limit attendance to those deemed worthy of your aid: I wonder just what Christ would have to say to you, and others in our community, about limiting charity and good works done in His name to only those you judge worthy?

My second observation set me to wondering if, as nice as the food is, it the opportunity to get one’s hair trimmed that draws many to the breakfast. Before seeking food or coffee many first make sure to get their name on the list for barbering; sitting around long after having sated their appetites, for their turn in the chair(s). For the homeless and poor something as simple as a haircut is out of reach because of cost.

I have observed that it is often the little things that start people on the road to recovery, simple things like haircuts, clean clothes and showers. This is why I believe the city should not only support the Abbotsford Cares Card by providing showers but seek ways to encourage regular, daily personal hygiene as a method of encouraging recovery.