“It is truly an historical document; one to be cherished by future generations.”

In 1968, Abbotsford was a much different community than it is today. In fact, it was really three different communities, with three different mayors and councils: Abbotsford in the centre, surrounded by Sumas and Matsqui which are predominantly rural, with a small urban centre; the opening of the Matsqui Prison in 1966 brought in a change to the needs of the area.

Walter Paetkau has produced a sensitive, well-documented comprehensive anthology of describing the vision and dedication of those that formed the original MSA Community Services; and the ongoing journey that has developed over time into the powerful all encompassing organization that it has become.

It is truly an historical document; one to be cherished by future generations, as they learn about the first 50 years of the amazing service organization. Each section is a story unto itself. The number of programs past and present is mind-boggling. From programs for babies, children and youth to support for seniors; from care for the hungry and homeless to help for those new to Canada; from recycling to tax consulting and legal aide; plus many other support services, Community Services has lived up to its name.

Even though I have been personally involved for many years, I had no idea of all the different areas of care included.

Reading through the individual sections, I came upon the names of several friends and family members involved in either in the past or in the present.

It is a celebration of those still involved, and a memorial to the many folks who were involved in so many ways and days gone by.

The title, “It Takes Raindrops to fill a Lake” is indeed appropriate. Congratulations to all those “raindrops” who have filled, and are still filling the “lake”!

-Arlene Kropp, former Abbotsford Community Services board member and long-serving community volunteer