Skeena's Ellis Ross shares of the community work of the 'Garage' in Terrace

Skeena MLA Ellis Ross saluted the work of Sharon and Sid
Bandstra who have helped with community work for the homeless
in the Terrace are through the work of the 'Garage'

Members of the British Columbia Legislature gained a short overview on Monday of some of the community work taking place in the Terrace region, with Skeena MLA Ellis Ross sharing some background towards the work of the Garage. 

The Garage, located on Calum Street in Terrace,  is a non-profit, community space Society that was created following the purchase of an old Shell Gas station by Sid and Sharon Bandstra to be put to use as the community asset.

"In Skeena, we've had a few town hall meetings to discuss the growing number of people experiencing homelessness and addictions-related issues in Terrace. 

Terrace has been fortunate, as there are a number of organizations that have been in place to support those in need, but also because the citizens themselves want to be part of the solution. 

Sharon and Sid Bandstra, who are with us today, are two of those people that want to do their part in helping their community. Out of their own pocket, they bought the old Shell gas station and converted it into a centre for those peoplethat have been in place to support those in need, but also because the citizens themselves want to be part of the solution. Sharon and Sid Bandstra are with us today. 

They are two of those people that want to do their part in helping their community. Out of their own pocket, they bought the old Shell gas station and converted it into a centre for those people who need not just help but also a warm and friendly place to gather. 

It has become such a success that many of the existing programs in Terrace start to gather there. As well, now, there is incredible collaboration happening at what is now named the Garage. The newly formed Garage is a non-profit community space society and is also home to the Terrace church's food bank, which now operates weekly. 

The Garage has hosted numerous events in partnership with other non-profits and government-funded programs, and they are just getting started. I've watched this idea grow from a dream to a reality.

Every time I drop in, I can't help but notice how vibrant and positive people are. the Garage is making connections between those who are down on their luck with the community and with programs that can and do help. 

This is the kicker. Against my advice, the Garage has not asked for government support or funding. Sid and Sharon are doing this on their own pocket, because they care not only for the people but for their community. This is an amazing and inspirational story. 

The impacts are already being felt across Terrace and the neighbouring communities. On behalf of Skeena and on behalf of this House, I would like to thank Sharon and her husband Sid for establishing and operating this much-needed community centre. I look forward to making it grow. 

There's not enough time in two minutes to explain all the exciting things that are happening at the Garage. It's because of the citizens of Terrace, B.C. and their surrounding communities, but especially Sharon Bandstra, who is with us in the gallery today."

The video of his presentation to the Legislature can be reviewed below:

A feature in a Christian themed publication the Banner provides some further background to how the initiative came together in the Terrace area.

'The Garage' is Open for Community in Terrace, BC

You can learn more about the Garage and the work there, from their Social media Stream 

More notes from the BC Legislature can be explored through our archive pages.