The Ktunaxa Nation and Cranbrook’s Christ Church are celebrating a successful fundraising campaign that raised more than $3,400 for the Ktunaxa Nation’s Street Angel program.

The ‘Advent Alternative Giving Project’ was organized by Reverend Yme Woensdregt and the members of Christ Church in Cranbrook. The project encouraged people in the area to donate to Street Angel during the holidays at a time when the weather is cold and people are often in need of a hot, nutritious meal and a warm place to rest.

“The generosity of people and businesses in our area never ceases to amaze me,” said Jackie Brown, Ktunaxa Nation Council Urban Services Manager. “Thanks to the exposure that Reverend Woensdregt’s column on the project received in local media, donations for came in from as far away as Ontario. In total, $3,464 was raised through the project for Street Angel.”

“This partnership between the Ktunaxa Nation and Christ Church not only strengthens the relationship between our two organizations, it benefits the entire region through our Street Angel program,” said Kathryn Teneese, Ktunaxa Nation Council Chair. “With the recent Truth and Reconciliation final report released and a number of ‘Calls to Action’ specific to Aboriginal people and our relationship with the church, I am glad to see the Ktunaxa Nation and Christ Church working together in the spirit of reconciliation for the betterment of those who call Ktunaxa territory home.”

Operation Street Angel is a program run by the Ktunaxa Nation that provides services to homeless and vulnerable populations in the Cranbrook area including hot nutritious meals, nurse practitioner and mental health services, advocacy, employment and justice services. Operation Street Angel is located at 46-17th Avenue South in Cranbrook.

Lead image: Jackie Brown accepts a cheque from Rev. Yme Woensdregt at Christ Church in Cranbrook on January 12.

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