A Neighbourhood House
Supporting and connecting families to community
At Longboard, one of our core values is compassionate acts and human flourishing, and it’s at the heart of everything we do!
We are dedicated to making a positive impact and supporting those in need, especially during the holiday season, a time that can be challenging for so many.
This year, as part of our holiday season gifts, we are making a donation to Raphael House on your behalf, to support those in need. We trust this aligns with your values and is a gesture you’ll appreciate. We are truly honored to support their life-changing work and to contribute to their mission of providing safety and dignity to those who need it.
Board of Directors Vickie Funk (Chair), Mandy Martens, Brad Hendy, Dawn Sambrook , Ray Shareski
In March 2020, as COVID-19 restrictions disrupted local services, families lost access to school food programs like Breakfast Club and Fuel Bags. In response, Kim Langford and the staff at Douglas Park Elementary partnered with Sources to create a mobile food bank in July 2020, initially serving their community but quickly expanding to include all Langley City schools. As demand grew, they collaborated with local churches and the school district to relocate the food hub to the Douglas Recreation Centre.
By 2021, it was clear that public spaces weren’t sustainable, so Mark and Vickie stepped in to provide financial support. With additional help from local businesses, the food hub found a permanent home on Douglas Crescent, rebranded as Raphael House. The service expanded from supporting 60 families to nearly 400 weekly.
Building Hope Together
“Raphael” means Angel of Healing. Food is and continues to be the epicentre of the service that Raphael House provides; however, the sense of belonging and genuine relationships make Raphael House what it is today. Generosity is what builds healthy, thriving families and healthy thriving communities.
Collaboration with the school district and other local agencies has been a priority for us since day one, and we are extremely grateful to the local businesses and individuals who support our work.
Visit : https://www.raphaelhouse.ca/
