The Chilliwack Connect event is rising from the ashes — already.
When it looked like several members of the organizing committee would not be returning for a fourth year, it went down in flames temporarily. The decision was made to cancel the 2013 event that caters to Chilliwack's needy.
Last year they served more than 850 lunches at the First Avenue Christian Assembly, to provide an idea of the numbers they have in attendance.
But last week it was announced that Chilliwack Connect will be resurrected this year.
"The community felt Chilliwack Connect needed to continue," said Coun. Stewart McLean, who is stepping into the role of coordinator of the planning team. "We felt we couldn't just let it fall by the wayside."
The 4th Annual Chilliwack Connect will go ahead on October 5 at the First Avenue Christian Assembly.
How it works is that everyone from the homeless, to the working poor who show up at the church that day are fed, clothed, and given much needed supplies by an army of Chilliwack Connect volunteers. There are meals, referrals to local services, haircuts and daycare provided.
"Once I had met and spoken to people from different organizations around Chilliwack, we formed a planning team with some of the previous members, and some new ones, and have been moving ahead on it." said McLean.
One of the big tasks to get squared away was the food.
Students from Chilliwack secondary's culinary arts program, led by program head Terry McDougall, will be catering the meals.
"It's going to be an incredible hot lunch," McLean said.
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