Children in Saint John will soon have a warm, safe place to hang out and have a meal, thanks to the kindness of strangers.
The Joshua Group has been serving children for many years, but it has never had a permanent place to call home. The organization has been operating out of temporary facilities but now, thanks to volunteers and donations, founder Bobby Hayes says the doors to a permanent location will open soon.
Hayes says he has been looking for a permanent location to feed and provide a safe environment for underprivileged children for three years.
“It doesn’t seem that long because we’ve been busy chasing and going and trying to find stuff,” says Hayes.
“I really believe that this building and this property is going to be a real turnaround in a lot of kids’ lives in this community.”
Hayes hopes the building, located on Peacock Lane off of Sandy Point Road, will be in full operation in a few weeks.
“Pipe fitters been over here continuous, didn’t matter, through Christmas, or doing plumbing, electrical, union, carpenters, labour union have put in 100 per cent or this wouldn’t be where it is,” says Hayes.
“The unions have pitched in almost since its inception,” says Coun. Bill Farren. “There’s some companies that have put into it as well, and individuals. It’s community-based.”
Farren says the city has a high poverty rate and he is glad organizations like the Joshua Group have the community’s support.
“I think what they’re doing is fantastic. I think it’s only a benefit,” says Farren. “Unfortunately, we have a lot of poverty in this city and he’s picking up in between one of the cracks these children have fallen through.”
Hayes says he’s waiting to have the heating system installed so he doesn’t have an exact opening date just yet, but he’s optimistic things will be up and running within a month.
With files from CTV Atlantic's Ashley Blackford
