Samaritan House Ministries’ Executive Director, Barbara McNish was awarded the Lifetime Achievement Award at this past week’s Women of Distinction Awards gala (WOD).

The Women of Distinction Awards are hosted by the YWCA of Brandon, to applaud the efforts and passions of the many women who are leaders in their communities across the entire Westman Region.

Barbara McNish certainly deserved to be nominated and then presented with the Lifetime Achievement Award at Thursday evening’s gala held at the Western Manitoba Centennial Auditorium.

McNish has been involved with the day to day operations at Samaritan House as a volunteer for close to 30 years, filling the role of full-time Executive Director only 2 years ago.

“I was humbled, truly humbled,” she shares, “because all the nominees up there are all winners and are all worthy of the award.  I asked myself, ‘Why me?’ because I work with so many women who were nominated this year, and we work alongside each other serving the community.”

Serving the ministry for close to 3 decades, McNish has watched the organization grow and fill the needs of the community through their food bank, warm and dry shelter, counselling services, and much, much more.  Her biography states, ‘She spearheaded the Raising the Roof initiative which transformed the Safe and Warm Shelter to a year-round- service. During the pandemic, Barbara worked with her team to lead a provincial nutrition program focused on disadvantaged youth unable to access meals in school during lockdowns.’

“I just see the need and I just do it,” she says.  “I don’t do this to get recognition.  I do it because people are hurting out there and we need to be there for them and support them, and just to be that kindness for them.  Love your brother, I truly believe that.  My God says, ‘Love your neighbor as yourself’ and who’s your neighbor? Anybody who is walking alongside of you, anybody who comes through your doors, the person who has a need, and Samaritan House itself says that; ‘Laboring together to help those in need.’”

 “So, the belief system and the mission statement of Samaritan House fits what I believe in so strongly, that its just a natural thing to do,” she adds.

The mission on Pacific Avenue in Brandon renovated their Safe and Warm Shelter, now a 35-bed facility.  A new roof and more renos in the Food Bank section of the building have also been added to the list of accomplishments over the past year.

“Yes, amazing things are happening! I believe, with the Board and staff, that this is a testimony to what our beliefs are and how we can say, ‘We ask and the Lord will provide’ and He provides it because there are people in the community that He touches their heart and they want to give.”

“Thank you so much to the people who give to us!  We don’t do it alone.  We need you,” shares McNish. “We need you to come alongside us because everyone who donates has helped us achieve the goals that we set out; to feed somebody, to give them a bed, and you’re right alongside of us as helping hands,”

 “Brandon and the surrounding community are always there and willing to lend a hand so on behalf of Samaritan House, Staff and Board, have a very blessed Christmas coming up, and may the Lord bless you as you continue to give.”