It’s great to know the recipes for lemon bars and date squares haven’t changed- and The Big Give was the perfect occasion to find out.
Saturday’s day of Christian benevolence began with traditional Church Social confections and Coffee at St. Andrew’s Presbyterian on Daniel at McGonigal.
St. Andrews lost a community stalwart in the person of Reverend Leo Hughes this past year. Reverend Hughes was some years retired- and the current pastor is Paul Johnston.
Eight participating churches locally offered fare for residents- the other congregations rolling out the red carpet at 9AM were Emmanuel Anglican with free plant cuttings, and Grace St. Andrew’s United with a Tailgate Giveaway and BBQ.
Joining the throng at 10AM were Neighbourlink Fountain, offering Free Clothing- and Glad Tidings Pentecostal, where we found Fire Chief Rick Desarmia.
The Glad Tidings Event captured the imagination of old and young.
Glad Tidings Pastor Clark Young acknowledges the First Responders Appreciation BBQ was a great idea.
Riverstone Christian Fellowship scooped the ice cream for followers at the Flavour Container starting at 1030AM
Gateway Church shares the former Alexander Reid Public School with Neighbourlink, and at 11AM, rolled out a Family Fun Carnival- and BBQ. David Baird is pastor.
And Gateway services its parishioners Sundays at 10AM.
The Big Give’s final 2026 participant was St. John’s Lutheran on McLachlin- whose BBQ began at 11AM.
A spokesperson told us St. John’s burgers were the best of any offered on the day- but wouldn’t commit the comment to tape.
The Big Give, the 8 participating congregations were thankful that adverse weather avoided their mission of outreach on Saturday’s occasion.
By Rick Stow
