Humility, humanity, and hope - The greatness of Walter Gretzky

Click on the photo for our on-line photo album. Click on the link at the end of this blog-post for our video.

“Could Walter be billeted? He’s a modest man, and enjoys home cooking.”

I was chatting with Kim Kohler, Walter Gretzky’s daughter, making plans for his two-day visit to Halifax on behalf of The Salvation Army.

“Absolutely. I’m a hockey dad myself and a life-long Edmonton Oilers fan. We’d be thrilled and I’m sure we’d have lots to talk about.” Actually, my twelve year old son Andrew would have little appreciation of the Gretzky legend, arriving a generation after most of the headlines. I, on the other hand, was beside myself.

Walter Gretzky was coming to help us raise money and get the word out about The Army’s work during the IIHF world hockey festivities in Halifax. It was a huge opportunity. But I had no idea of what to expect living under the same roof and getting to know the man on a personal level over two days.

Fair to say Walter didn’t know what he was getting himself into either – who he would see or what to expect on his visits to Salvation Army facilities in Halifax.

For me personally, those two days will now remain an unforgettable and enriching experience. I’ve never witnessed such a display of mutual affection between the public and a public figure, close-up.

“Have you got brothers or sisters, aunts or uncles?” Walter was asking the first kid in a long line of people waiting for an autograph. He signed for everybody. He was intensely interested in everyone. It became obvious that I would need to plan an extra 20 minutes for his every move. Every human interaction was a display of affection and simple kindnesses. It was a joy to watch.

The true measure of the human being, I thought, came at The Booth Centre. That’s where The Salvation Army fights to reclaim lives lost in limbo due to addictions and helps people who just can’t cope and need a hand-up.

Walter was completely in his element. His gentle and caring nature mirrored that of The Army’s. The residents and their challenges seemed to reflect those of people known to him in his personal life. Completely at-ease, he had big smiles, hugs and autographs to go around for everyone.

Perhaps Walter’s greatest enthusiasm came when I took his picture with one of the new graduates of the 12-step addictions program. “Wow! This is fantastic! Way to go!” he exclaimed in typical exuberance, leaving us all to think the achievement was akin to a game-seven winning goal in the Stanley Cup finals.

And yet, to those who were only aware of his reputation as “Canada’s hockey dad”, it would be easy to assume that hockey would still be a preoccupation. Quite the opposite.

“There’s a lot of other stuff to talk about, other than hockey,” Walter told me. “Wayne who??”, he would kid.

In fact, after researching his biography on the web, I could see that there was so much I was unaware of. His near fatal aneurism in 1991 and having to be re-taught the basics of life at the most fundamental level. “I didn’t know what a door or shoes were for.”

Perhaps it’s his solid family foundation and a faith in human nature and kindness that not only sustains him, but propels him on his merry way. “Do unto others as they would to you,” I heard him say often. “Everybody needs to belong, to be cared for.”

Google “Walter Gretzky” in the news, and you’ll find a seemingly endless list of community appearances. I got exhausted just thinking of the effort to keep that type of schedule. Never mind the fact that the man is about to turn 70 and short-term memory can present extraordinary challenges with unfamiliar places and faces.

I sensed that the last 17 years of tragedies and triumphs have led to the person who touched us in Halifax. The night before our fund-raiser luncheon, he previewed his speech for my wife Brenda, my son Andrew and I. We looked at each other and knew our event was going to be very special.

In the end, it was a lesson in humility, humanity and hope that proved to be such a comforting fit for not only The Salvation Army, but for my family too.

As I was getting Walter out the door from our home the last time, Andrew got choked-up and didn’t want to see him go. As he explained to me later, “dad, it’s not who he is; it’s how he is.”

See the video:

-Ron
Ron Zima ADpPR
Fund Development & Public Relations
Salvation Army, Maritimes Division
ron_zima@can.salvationarmy.org

For more details on the Salvation Army, visit:
Salvation Army, Maritimes Division

Wise beyond their age

The "ringleaders" of the girls Sackville Flyers hockey team with mitts and hats for other kids.

I’ll never forget this past Christmas, thanks to The Sackville Flyers, an all-girls hockey team of 11 & 12-year-olds near Halifax. According to these girls, “it’s good that we’re thinking about other people, not just ourselves.”

What was truly remarkable was that they were thinking of their peers; other kids who may not have a lot of what they take for granted every day. Hats and mitts, for example.

My involvement with The Salvation Army began several Christmases ago, when my wife and I wanted to get our kids involved with the community. We wanted them to think beyond themselves at a time when they’re bombarded with marketing and consumerism. So we volunteered as a family, sorting and packing toys. It unified us, and it motivated our kids to think about others. We all smiled a lot that day.

That’s why this experience is so special to me.

It’s a beautiful thing when adults give back. But when kids give from the heart, it’s truly inspirational. To hear these girls talk about the needs of others reveals a depth of character that belies their age.

Listen to these young ladies and you can imagine their potential as leaders as they grow in age.

Check out our interview and video by clicking on the photo above. Be prepared for some goose bumps and...have a Kleenex handy.
-Ron
Ron Zima ADpPR
Fund Development & Public Relations
Salvation Army, Maritimes Division

ron_zima@can.salvationarmy.org

For more details on the Salvation Army, visit:
Salvation Army, Maritimes Division

Miracle on Ilsley Avenue

This past Saturday, the Purolator Courier distribution centre in Burnside Park, Dartmouth looked like Santa’s workshop: gifts and packages hurriedly sorted, large elves scurrying around …and, Santa himself!

It was the annual Adopt-a-Family partnership between The Halifax Daily News and Purolator for The Salvation Army. One hundred families will enjoy a memorable Christmas this year, 25 more than last year.

The response was so overwhelming it took just three days to hook up sponsors for all 100 families via the pages of the newspaper.

It was an exhilarating morning with a steady stream of emotional donors supplying the gifts.

“There’s just something about seeing the description of the families and the kids in the paper”, said Cheryl, a donor. Who’s getting the most excitement out of this effort; the families or the donors? You decide.

Check out the miracle on Ilsley Avenue by clicking on the image above to see the 5 minute video. Click on the image below to visit our on-line photo album.


-Ron
Ron Zima ADpPR
Fund Development & Public Relations
Salvation Army, Maritimes Division

ron_zima@can.salvationarmy.org

For more details on the Salvation Army, visit:
Salvation Army, Maritimes Division

Santa Shuffle 2007 - Halifax

Click on the photo to view the on-line album.

This year's Santa Shuffle in Halifax blew past all expectations..!

Embraced by CFB Halifax this year, at least several more hundred runners and shufflers took part. Watch this space for more details on the success of the event and our forthcoming video.

Meanwhile, check out our on-line photo album by double-clicking on the photo above. Be sure to share this link with your friends and anyone who took part---or who may consider being part of the fun and fund-raising for The Salvation Army next year!

-Ron
Ron Zima ADpPR
Fund Development & Public Relations
Salvation Army, Maritimes Division

ron_zima@can.salvationarmy.org

For more details on the Salvation Army, visit:
Salvation Army, Maritimes Division

Special Delivery on PEI

Where else can you find a city, an entire county, a third of a province…all united in one selfless community effort?

For those of us who've been unaware of this community miracle, I’m glad I had my camcorder and camera along. Otherwise, you might doubt what I would tell you about the Postal Food Drive in Prince County, PEI.

Witness the miracle for yourself by clicking on the image above to view the video. You can check out our memorable photo-album by clicking on the image below.

-Ron
Ron Zima ADpPR
Fund Development & Public Relations
Salvation Army, Maritimes Division

ron_zima@can.salvationarmy.org

For more details on the Salvation Army, visit:
Salvation Army, Maritimes Division

No better investment: Moms and Kids Camp

Double-click on the image above to see the eight minute video. To view the complete photo-album, double-click at the end of this story.

I’ve been actively soaking up the stories of The Salvation Army across the Maritimes for over a year now. It’s hard to think of a better investment by donors than the impact I’ve witnessed at Moms & Kids Camp at Scotian Glen.

Mothers (most of them single parents) come from across the region and face enormous stresses of raising kids on their own. Many of them might not make it if it weren’t for this break. They bond with other women facing similar challenges—building their confidence and support network. Meanwhile, the social and behavioural skills of their kids are nurtured as they blossom at camp. The counselors and Scotian Glen staff are experts at making it all happen.

The impact of these experiences can be life-long, often transforming adults and children in a positive way forever.

During my brief visit, I could see stress melting away, the human spirit and precious family bond being strengthened. The video and photo album I’ve assembled for you are testimony to that.

To view the complete photo album, click here.

-Ron
Ron Zima ADpPR
Fund Development & Public Relations
Salvation Army, Maritimes Division

ron_zima@can.salvationarmy.org

For more details on the Salvation Army, visit:
Salvation Army, Maritimes Division

25 years of love and compassion

Double-click on the image above to view our video-slideshow.

It’s often said that a society will be judged by the manner in which it treats its most vulnerable members. Some of the most vulnerable are our seniors, particularly those who need 24-hour by seven-day-a-week care.

Perhaps that’s why New Brunswickers feel a strong sense of pride regarding Lakeview Manor, The Salvation Army’s nursing home in Riverview. The compassion and love for those who are most vulnerable and infirm is readily on display, and is a comforting reflection of the social state of society in the province.

Lakeview celebrated its 25th anniversary this past weekend. It was an ideal opportunity to record tender moments and to share those with you.

-Ron
Ron Zima ADpPR
Fund Development & Public Relations
Salvation Army, Maritimes Division

ron_zima@can.salvationarmy.org

For more details on the Salvation Army, visit:
Salvation Army, Maritimes Division