30th Anniversary for Waikato Bridge.

On Monday 5 August, around 90 people gathered at Hamilton City Salvation Army (HCSA) to celebrate the 30th anniversary of the Waikato Bridge and honour the service of officers and staff past and present. The event was hosted by HCSA Men’s Fellowship, which has for many years sponsored men from the Bridge residential programme to attend their monthly gathering. For many doing the programme, the experience of fellowship in an alcohol-free environment was a first and a vital part of their recovery journey.

National Director for Addictions, Supportive Housing and Reintegration Services Lt-Colonel Rod Carey says, ‘Congratulations?and well done to the Waikato Bridge for reaching a significant milestone. What an amazing record: ?30 years of faithful service in helping people break free from the chains of addiction and find new life and hope through the transforming power of Jesus Christ.’

In attendance were the current Waikato Bridge Director Neville Gibbons and staff representatives, as well as 17 former officers and staff (current HCSA congregants) whose service ranged from years 1977 to the present day.

An overview of the Bridge’s 30-year history was presented, including recognition of the leadership of Majors Garry and Sandra Mellsop, who piloted the fledgling Bridge programme in 1994. Reference to the Model of Treatment designed by Captain Dr Judith Christensen in the early 2000s also featured. Appreciation was expressed to the current team, as well as acknowledgement of the many and complex issues inherent in the addiction sector today.

The guest speaker was University of Waikato’s Professor of Economics Michael Cameron, who is also a researcher into community alcohol issues and is a District Licencing Commissioner. The topic for the evening’s address was ‘The Sobering Economics of Alcohol’.

Following a delicious meal together, the anniversary cake was cut by Major Sandra Mellsop and Major June Sunkel.

Lt-Colonel Wilfred Arnold, convenor of the men’s fellowship and former national manager for the Bridge, explained that ‘We wanted to acknowledge the place of the Bridge in the frontline of community services of Kirikiriroa Hamilton and the wider Bay of Plenty. It’s been key to the arsenal of HCSA’s mission services. Congratulations?to all who have staffed this life-changing programme and for the courage of those who find hope and health within it.’

Originally published in SALT Magazine.