Keeping the lights on at Lighthouse Mission
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Hey there, time traveller!
This article was published 16/03/2021 (814 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.
When I was a teenager we’d take the bus from Transcona to get downtown. On Main Street we’d pass the historic narrow Zimmerman Block with the Lighthouse Mission sign, and I’d make a joke about how “it’d be a mission to find a light in that house”.
Years later, Richard Kunzelman was canvassing the Transcona area and asked if I’d like to make a donation to Lighthouse Mission. He explained what it was all about so I made a donation (perhaps partly out of guilt for joking about it years ago).
Since then, I’ve looked forward to his visit every spring. I missed him last year because COVID-19 pre-empted any door-to-door canvassing and, while he was able to resume in the summer months, he’s again been unable to canvass into the foreseeable future.
Beverly Atjay, operations manager at Lighthouse Mission, said this loss of canvassing has had a huge impact on the organization’s revenues.
After looking for a job in ministry, Kunzelman was hired at Lighthouse Mission and he’s been its sole door-to-door ambassador ever since, marking 25 years of service this past November.
He said seminary training had not adequately prepared him to deal with poverty and street culture at the beginning of his career. He had to learn those nuances on the job. When he spends time at the mission, he’s amazed at what can be done to help just by talking over a bowl of soup and a coffee.
Over the course of the year, through all weather, Kunzelman tirelessly canvasses as much of the city as he can and even some surrounding communities, such as Winkler.
He told me how much he’s missing it. Over the years he’s developed many friendships with regular contributors and loves to meet new people to tell them about the mission. He loves dogs, and said that when he gains the trust of a family pet, the person at the door seems more receptive to what he has to say.
Lighthouse Mission is celebrating 110 years of serving Winnipeg’s inner city. A Christian-based agency, it partners with local churches and businesses to provide meals, food hampers, clothing and spiritual and health counselling for patrons who struggle with poverty, homelessness, addiction, mental and physical challenges.
The mission’s motto says, “Everyone matters”, and staff and volunteers believe all are deserving of acceptance and love.
This past year has been especially difficult, having to serve hundreds of breakfasts and lunches “to go,” as people were not allowed to dine inside. The mission’s Friday evening chili and church services were always well attended.
The mission is now working on a renovation next door, at 667 Main St., to allow for additional space to accommodate social distancing. It’s not an easy feat, as the renovations must adhere to guidelines for historical buildings.
Until we are able to welcome Richard back at our doorsteps, you can donate to the mission at www.lighthousemission.ca, or by calling 204-943-9669, ext 2.
Let’s help “keep the lights on” so Lighthouse Mission can continue its important work serving the neediest in our city.
Suzanne Hunter is a community correspondent for Transcona.