Salvation Army opens new pavilion, gardens

Perfect weather shone down upon the Salvation Army Leamington community on Saturday, May 25 as they held an open house for the unveiling of their new ‘Gather Pavilion’, community gardens and prayer gardens. Well over 200 friends, neighbours and volunteers showed up for the celebration, which included a BBQ, children’s games, fellowship and live music presented by a Salvation Army brass band.

Volunteers were honoured with a specail gift as well.

Among the dignitaries present were Leamington Mayor Hilda MacDonald and Salvation Army’s Ontario Divisional Leaders, Colonels Shawn and Brenda Critch.

Salvation Army Leamington leaders, Majors Judi and Ron Wickens, were thrilled with the turnout.

“This is wonderful,” said Judi. “It’s surpassed anything we could imagine.”

Also on hand were Neil and Annie Loewen of Nello Construction of Leamington, whose company built the pavilion without charging the Salvation Army for its construction.

“My wife and I were both helped as children by the Salvation Army,” said Neil Loewen. “We’ve been blessed in our business to have had a good year, so we wanted to give back.”

Neil grew up in Blenheim and Annie grew up in Leamington. The Salvation Army is near and dear to both of their hearts.

Going forward, the pavilion will be used for outdoor activities and as a place to meet and enjoy the relaxed atmosphere for anyone and everyone.

The prayer gardens include a suicide memorial tree, which was also donated by a local company.

“This community really came together,” said Deacon John Vezina of the Erie Shores South Catholic Family of Parishes. “A lot of people did a lot of work.”

Vezina shared stories of how neighbours showed up with shovels when they saw the crews out working and how he was able to contact all of the service clubs in town, who all responded with help and donations for the project.

Major Ron Wickens was also quick to credit Vezina for all of the work he did on the project.

“Deacon John really got things going,” he said. “And he worked for countless hours on this.”