The Salvation Army in Prince Albert took advantage of the popularity of the production of Come from Away at the EA Rawlinson Centre to hold a fundraiser on Thursday.
On Thursday, the Broadway North Theatre Company invited the Salvation Army to sell chilli and bannock from an Emergency Services Canteen. The Salvation Army’s Major Ed Dean said they were happy to be a part of the show, especially since The Salvation Army played a vital role in the town of Gander when all the planes were grounded on 9/11/
“There were … planes from all over the world that landed in Gander and the Salvation Army just rolled up their sleeves and got to work,” Dean said.
The musical tells the true story of what happened after 38 planes carrying nearly 7,000 passengers were diverted to Gander, Newfoundland, when U.S. airspace closed following the Sept. 11, 2001 attacks. Dean said the set up even matched what would have been happening around 9/11 and Gander.
Today, Dean is following the same path the Salvation Army set in 2002, except with wildfires instead of grounded planes. He’s currently deployed with Emergency Services for the Salvation Army in British Columbia assisting with wildfires.
Dean said helping with the wildfires during the fundraiser helps amplify the Broadway North play’s message.
“It wasn’t so much about how many bowls of chili we sold. It was just nice to be thought of and included,” Dean said.
Dean said that the message of the play and Gander residents opening their homes to the new arrivals, tied to the general message of service for the Salvation Army.
He said that the relationships built at that time continue to this day.
“The people gather back again each year to visit that family that took them in and they’re coming from all over the world, just like they did the first time,” Dean said.
Broadway North’s production of Come from Away is at the EA Rawlinson Centre until Aug. 21.
