The Salvation Army Detroit Harbor Light Celebrates Renovation with Ribbon Cutting Ceremony
* *Lieutenant Colonel John Turner introduces the ceremony.
On Thursday, January 26, The Salvation Army of Metro Detroit celebrated the recent renovation of the kitchen at The Salvation Army Detroit Harbor Light with a ribbon cutting ceremony in its also upgraded cafeteria.
The $1.5 million renovation was designed to accommodate up to 20 volunteers at a time, double the space of the old kitchen. It will produce large quantities of delicious and nutritious meals that will be distributed by the Bed & Bread Club truck. Nonprofit farms and food banks such as Gleaners can donate food that will be quickly processed with state-of-the-art equipment.
* Chef Michael Block demonstrates the potato peeler, which can peel large quantities of potatoes in seconds.
Tables on wheels can be moved to accommodate group and project needs, and a continuously updated tote board shows next meal served, total meals served for the year and nights of shelter.
The ceremony was introduced by Lieutenant Colonel John Turner, Divisional Commander of the Great Lakes Division.
“We believe this is the work God has called us to do. To make a difference in people’s lives, instill hope, and the power to inspire real change,” Lt. Colonel Turner said.
Next to make a statement was Jamie Winkler, Executive Director of The Great Lakes Harbor Light System, followed by Eva Torres, Detroit District 6 Manager and Jeff Sangster, Advisory Council Chair of Detroit Harbor Light.
* Jamie Winkler speaks at the ceremony
“This is something that we’ve been dreaming about for a very long time. This space shows love, respect, dignity, not only to those who are hungry and those who are coming into Harbor Light seeking life change, but also for our staff and volunteers,” Winkler said.
Finally, Winkler cut the ribbon with a pair of giant ceremonial scissors, surrounded by Lt. Colonel Turner, Torres and Sangster.
*Jamie Winkler cuts the ribbon.
After the ceremony all attendees were given a tour of the expanded kitchen and samples of food that will be served on the Bed & Bread Club trucks.
* Kitchen workers prepare delicious, nutritious meals for the Bead & Bread Club truck.
In addition to supporting the Bed & Bread Club program, The Salvation Army’s Detroit Harbor Light also includes a family emergency shelter and a substance use disorder treatment center.
With the Detroit Harbor Light Community Kitchen renovation, The Salvation Army of Metro Detroit hopes to reach more people in need. Last year, The Salvation Army served more than 2.1 million meals throughout the year – more than 5,800 meals daily. For more information, visit SAmetrodetroit.org. You can also donate or volunteer to work in the kitchen.