Events

Fifty Years of Hope

More than a hundred people attended a gala event at The Reach Gallery Museum in Abbotsford as Communitas held its final celebratory event in honour of its 50^th anniversary.

Staff were ready to welcome guests at The Reach

The event gave guests an opportunity to learn more about the organization’s history through a unique art exhibit, video screenings, and story-telling from staff.

The creative timeline includes artwork and handcasts by the people Communitas serves

In the Community Art Studio, guests viewed the creative timeline, including art created by people served through Communitas. In the same room, colourful pinatas created by staff and people served, added to the festive atmosphere. Guests also enjoyed the opportunity to have their photos taken at a photo booth set up for the event.

Board member, Jeremy Lind and his wife, Amanda have fun at the photo booth

The program began with a welcome from emcee Shelley Dueck, a program director with Communitas. Chief Executive Officer Karyn Santiago then came to the podium and offered a land acknowledgement, inviting guests to reflect on the importance of the land to the people who have stewarded it since time immemorial.

“I, on Communitas’ behalf, express our deep hope and desire to live in right relationship upon the land and within this shared space,” Karyn said.

Shelley Dueck emceed the program

“… hope has led us into these services and hope will lead us forward in the ongoing commitment to experiencing communities where all people are included and enjoy abundant life.”

“I am so deeply grateful for the compassion that has carried on this work,” Steve Thiessen, the original executive director and first CEO of Communitas.

“The seeds that were planted so many years ago have flourished, you are the hands and feet of Jesus in this community,” – Ed Fast, Member of Parliament

“Thank you for living out and being true to your faith and making our community inclusive and vibrant.” – Mayor Ross Siemens

“Over the years, I witnessed that we were creating community, creating places of belonging. I carry these stories in my heart.” – Jonathan Goertz, current board member and past employee, who worked for Communitas for 35 years.

“Over the years, I have been witness to the diverse range of services in a wide variety of places, where we walk alongside people in their communities.” – Kathy Doerksen, Communitas board chair.

“We’ve been able to do what we do because of the decisions of our founders. Today we are building on that legacy.” – Matt Dirks, CIO for Communitas (pictured here with CPO Jacqui Toews) announcing the estate legacy of $600,000 for the Communitas Hope Fund.

Special guests brought congratulations and greetings to Communitas and the audience heard stories from past and current staff, including the only two CEOs that the organization has had in its history. Two of the five videos created by Communitas for the anniversary were shown, videos that focused on the beginnings of the organization and emphasizing that while 50 years have passed, the vision and values of Communitas have not changed. The evening ended with a blessing, given by Communications Manager, Angelika Dawson.

Musician Aimee Murdoch entertained guests as they explored the gallery

Calvin Dyck was one of dozens of musicians who recorded CDs under the label Infant King Records, a music publishing arm of Communitas in the 1990s that raised over half a million dollars for Communitas’ work.

The program also included music. Local musician, Aimee Murdoch entertained guests as they enjoyed appetizers provided by Klassic Catering. During the program, violinist Calvin Dyck, played a moving piece called “Meditation”; the performance of which had the audience spell-bound.

The program came to a conclusion with a look to the future as Chief Program Officer, Jacqui Toews shared the news of two new, purpose-built homes built for Communitas that will allow the organization to meet the specific needs of the people it serves.

CPO Jacqui Toews shared the news of two new homes built for the people we serve, creating hope and stability for the future.

“We’ve been able to do what we do because of the decisions of our founders. Today we are building on that legacy.” – Matt Dirks, CIO for Communitas announcing the estate legacy of $600,000 for the Communitas Hope Fund

Chief Innovation Officer, Matt Dirks thanked the many Communitas Champions who have spent the past year raising funds on behalf of the organization, helping Communitas to reach its goal of $500,000. Matt also announced the legacy of two estate gifts of $600,000 in total that the Communitas board will invest in the Communitas Hope Fund, a fund that allows Communitas staff to respond quickly to exceptional cases of need of the people they serve.

The evening ended with dessert, including a unique 50^th anniversary themed cake, made by Communitas program director, Joann De Vera.

The evening ended with unique desserts created by Joann De Vera

CEO Karyn Santiago reflected on the evening with the words of one guest who said “So many beautiful moments expressed a fitting tribute to the people who came before us at Communitas, as well as the people who continue to invest in the mission of the organization.”

“Our Reach Gallery event was clearly a celebration of the many diverse stakeholders who have been a part of this fifty-year journey,” Karyn said.