Trinity Western's men's basketball team has teamed up with CityServe to help with a temporary mobile food bank at the Douglas Recreation Centre in Langley, B.C.
The initiative alongside CLA (Christian Life Assembly) Church in Langley, seeks "to share the love of Christ in [daily life] by providing people with opportunities to serve and connect together." The partnership between CityServe and CLA includes attendance at various breakfast and lunch programs focusing on local schools, and street ministry and outreach alongside Nightshift Ministries.
Mandy Martens, CityServe Coordinator, said, "Over the past year we have seen many families in our local school district dealing with food insecurity due to COVID-19. One of the responses the churches of Langley have done is a temporary mobile food bank at the Douglas Recreation Centre. It has been a pleasure having the TWU Men's Basketball team join us weekly!"
Trevor Pridie, Spartan Men's Basketball Head Coach, was excited for the opportunity. "Having an opportunity like this gives our players the chance to serve in the community and learn from an amazing staff at CityServe. In a challenging year like this being able to give back and to contribute in even such a small way helps us find a sense of purpose and not focus on ourselves but rather others.
"This has been awesome for the men's basketball program and we are looking forward to continuing this partnership. We go for a few hours once a week and play a small role in helping, but what the people at CityServe do is amazing!"
Aaron Paetkau, Spartan Men's Basketball Alum, similarly felt grateful. "I am very grateful for the partnership we have been able to cultivate with CLA CityServe. It has provided a tangible way for members of the TWU Men's Basketball team to positively contribute to the community. I have sincerely enjoyed meeting new people and having genuine conversations."
For Leif Skelding, Spartan Men's Basketball Guard, the experience has been positive. "This whole experience has been incredibly rewarding. Spreading joy in the community has enriched not only my life, but every volunteer involved. On the behalf of the TWU Men's Basketball program, thank you."
About Trinity Western University
Founded in 1962, Trinity Western University is Canada’s premier Christian liberal arts university dedicated to equipping students to establish meaningful connections between career, life, and the needs of the world. It is a fully accredited research institution offering liberal arts and sciences, as well as professional schools in business, nursing, education, human kinetics, graduate studies, and arts, media, and culture. It has five campuses and locations: Langley, Richmond-Lansdowne, Richmond-Minoru, Ottawa, and Bellingham, WA. TWU emphasizes academic excellence, research, and student engagement in a vital faith community committed to forming leaders to have a transformational impact on culture. Learn more at www.twu.ca or follow us on Twitter @TrinityWestern, on Facebook and LinkedIn.
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