Salvation Army ready to open pavilion, gardens

What began with a cup of coffee between two Leamington men has now blossomed into a new, highly-anticipated addition at the Salvation Army Leamington location on Setterington Street.

A celebration is planned for the opening on Saturday, May 25 at the church as they introduce the community to their new gather pavilion and community and prayer gardens.

And it’s an extra special occasion for Majors Judi and Ron Wickens, who have been the leaders at Salvation Army Leamington for the past four years.

Originally scheduled to move to their next location this summer, they were hoping to use the pavilion opening and event as a sort of a goodbye to the community, but they’ve recently found out that they will be sticking around for another year.

The event on May 25 will include a 1 pm ribbon cutting attended by a number of local dignitaries and also some Salvation Army leaders.

Colonels Shawn and Brenda Critch, the leaders of Salvation Army in Ontario, will be on hand for the festivities, along with a 10-piece brass band that will be arriving from London, Ontario, to provide entertainment for those in attendance.

The celebration will continue with the leaders and the band staying for  the Sunday service on the following day.

The community can expect free hotdogs and refreshments, games, entertainment and draws for gifts for the kids on Saturday.

The new prayer gardens are being planted this week and will be in full bloom for community members to walk through.

The community garden boxes are available for rental through Salvation Army Leamington and garden lead Cathy will be on hand to answer questions and give out applications for the garden boxes.

For the Wickens, it will be the culmination of a lot of work by a lot of people.

Judi first came up with the idea when she applied for — and recevied — a Salvation Army Innovation grant in 2021, but it was a coffee meeting in June 2023 between Major Ron and Deacon John Vezina of the Erie Shores South Catholic Family of Parishes that got the ball rolling.

“He really took it and ran with it,” says Judi of Deacon John’s involvement.. “The result is way bigger than I dreamed.”

Judi says that the idea could not have happened without the many helping hands they’ve had assisting them throughout the process.

“It’s truly a community event,” says Ron. 

“It’s truly been provided by the community,” adds Judi.

Not only did a local construction company erect the new pavilion at no charge, numerous other local service clubs, church groups and individuals went above and beyond to help get the new addition created.

“We had neighbours walking up with shovels,” said Major Ron. “It was really a sight to behold.”

Salvation Army Leamington’s Volunteer Coordinator Veronica Costa is also looking for volunteers for the day and for programs they are running on an ongoing basis.

“We can always use more volunteers,” she said.

Call 519-326-4901 if you’d like to volunteer.