December 6th, 2017 marks the 100th anniversary of what has been described as the largest man-made explosion in the pre-atomic era. Back on December 6th, 1917 two ships collided in the crowded Halifax Harbour, and as one of the ships was heavily loaded with munitions, both ships caught fire. The resulting explosion leveled Halifax, Dartmouth, the Mi'kmaq settlement at Turtle Cove, and heavily damaged the African Nova Scotian Community of Africville, leaving at least 1,950 confirmed fatalities. In the aftermath of that explosion, help and assistance poured in from across Canada and the Northeastern US to help our communities in our time of great need.
To honour those lost in the tragedy, the Halifax Chapter of HOPE worldwide Canada, in partnership with the Halifax Dartmouth Church of Christ, is committing to 1,950 of community service hours to honour each person who died that tragic day. As we embark on this year of community service in remembrance of those who lost their lives, our goal is to let our lights shine and to be known in our communities for our hearts to serve as we are “bringing hope and changing lives” to the neighbourhoods where we live and work.
“Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms.” - 1 Peter 4:10 (NIV)
“For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.”
- Mark 10:45 (NIV)
Over the coming months, from Amherst to Windsor to Cole Harbour to Halifax, Dartmouth, Upper Middle & Lower Sackville, to Bedford and out to Bridgewater, we are excited about the various ways that we will be serving. From visiting seniors in our neighbourhood, Christmas Caroling at a Seniors Home, volunteering at a ‘Sunday Supper’, a local Food Bank, serving on our local Community Board, or at our school PTA, helping with a Toy Drive, a Food Drive, a Cancer Fundraiser or at a Drop in Center, spending our vacation serving locally or internationally, we are limited only by our imagination!
"I believe that this is a great way to honour those lost in this tragic anniversary on it's 100th anniversary by all of us rolling up our sleeves, helping those around us in whatever way we can; volunteering, serving and meeting the needs in our communities." - Marty Udall, Minister, Halifax-Dartmouth Church of Christ.
For more information:
Feel free to follow us on our Facebook page: “HOPEworldwide Canada – Halifax Chapter”
Follow our hashtag on social media: #honouring6Dec1917
Email us to get involved at: servingtohonour6Dec1917@gmail.com
