Minto United Church donates to MJ Christian Counselling Centre

On Sunday, April 7 a cheque from Minto United Church was presented to Brian Heany, director of the Moose Jaw Christian Counselling Centre, in the amount of $598.25.

This donation represents donations from a program called "the Celebrations Box," where individual congregation members freely donate money each Sunday sharing with their church family any blessings in their lives that they feel fortunate to celebrate (i.e.) theirs or a family member's birthday; an anniversary; friendship; good health, etc.

The Minto United Church Council prayerfully considered what to do with this money and decided to support local charities and this money be "paid forward" every second month to those in our community who are less fortunate or find themselves in unfortunate circumstances, with faith that God will bless their lives as those who have so graciously and unselfishly donated.

Past donations have been made to: Transition House, Riverside Mission, Joe's Place Youth Center, Moose Jaw branch of the Canadian Red Cross, Moose Jaw branch of Sask. Acquired Brain Injury Association, Hunger in Moose Jaw, and the Moose Jaw & District Food Bank. 

Brian Heany gave a brief rundown of the Centre. The Centre has been in operation since May 1987, and offers counseling to whomever requests it. A typical counseling visit is worth $120, which covers the cost of staff, premises and administration. The average session will collect about $75 in fees and, depending whether or not the individual has an employee assistance program, the remainder will be paid for by donations such as Minto's.  

Brian stressed that no one is turned away and gave thanks for the congregation’s generosity.