For more than 18 years, rain or shine, a Mennonite choir has been bringing Christian hymns to patients at the Centennial Centre for Mental Health and Brain Injury.
The group comes from the Rimbey area and once a month performs songs at the Chapel in the centre. Mic Toews, co-ordinator for the choir said the singers were mainly from the church’s youth group. He feels they offer a service to patients and to the young singers.
“It’s good for them to get out there,” said Toews.
The choir sings at the Rimbey Hospital and Care Centre and the seniors’ home in Rimbey. As for the young singers: “They love it.”
“It’s something good you’re doing for others,” he added.
Janice Mackie, co-ordinator of volunteer resources at the Centennial Centre, says the patients respond well to the choir. Many of them ask, “When do our Rimbey friends come?”
While there is not always a large crowd at the Chapel, Mackie says the choir does not seem to mind singing for one person or a full house. And they come despite inclement weather or adverse road conditions. Mackie said some members of the choir hit the ditch due to slippery road conditions last winter and once it was determined they were safe, other members went on to sing at the centre.
“That is such commitment!” Mackie stated.
She said the patients have a strong feeling of family because of the choir. “They just are glad to have the music and the young people.”
“That group has a very special place in my heart,” she concluded.