The Bread of Life Centre
Port Alberni, British Columbia
The Bread of Life Centre has been in operation since 1988 and draws a lot of their support from the Christian communities in the area. What they seek to do is fill the spiritual hunger of their patrons. They reach out by caring for the physical need via a nutritious meal. According to their mission statement The Bread of Life exists to serve the needs of the poor and the homeless; to treat all people with dignity and respect, and to encourage and help facilitate their social, personal and spiritual growth.
This project provides several valuable services for the poor of the area, including the opportunity to participate in life-skills and employment-readiness training. Approximately 75% of their clients are native Canadians.
The Centre applied to CAIC in September 1997 for a first mortgage that would allow them to purchase a building to house their Soup Kitchen and Thrift store. Funds were advanced in early October 1997.
The board of CAIC was very impressed with this project's social and financial elements. The projects deals specifically with the most marginalized of the community and it does more than just feed and clothe them; it tries to reintegrate them back into society. The board also felt that this organization was well run financially. The financial records were clear and up-to-date. This is something that we do not always encounter when reviewing a loan application request. This loan represents our first foray into British Columbia and is part of our Social Mortgage Fund.
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