Long after retirement from a remarkable career as a public servant,former Ontario Cabinet Minister and MPP James W. Snow continues to have an important impact on the health and social fabric of his beloved Halton Region community.

In a poignant June 3rd ceremony, 77-year-old James (Jim) Snow turned over the key to his cherished Pineland Farm home of some 47 years to The Salvation Army, making it one of the largest living donations in Salvation Army Canadian history, valued at 2.1 million dollars.

Part of an original 100-acre 1870's Crown land grant in Hornby,Pineland Farm's nearly ten acres was home to the Snow family since 1959. In a brief reflection, Mr. Snow recalled seeing the trees planted that are now an unmistakable part of the Pineland experience. Snow explained that, like the Coleson family, former owners of the larger 90-acre parcel, he could have donated the farm to the county so it would become a public property, but "knowing the work of The Salvation Army," Snow said, "the choice was clear because they would be active workers for the good of the community."

For The Salvation Army's Captain Bill Blackman, pastor of the Khi Community Church in Milton, the call from Snow came as a surprise. "Everyone knows the Snow name. There's even a road named for him. What an incredible gift to our community work," Blackman said.

Captain Debra Blackman, Bill's wife, echoed the remarks of friends and community leaders present at the hour-long presentation and reception saying Mr. Snow recognized genuine need and the possibility for good in this Salvation Army gift.

Joining the Blackmans in praise of Snow's long public service career and gift of the property were Members of Parliament Michael Chong and Garth Turner, Ontario Provincial Member of Parliament Ted Chudleigh, and Councillors Mike Boughton and Bryan Lewis.

The Salvation Army Chief Secretary for Canada and Bermuda, Colonel Glen Shepherd, put it best when he said, "The Salvation Army is eternally grateful for the work of countless volunteers and valuable donations of people like James and Barbara Snow that make our community work possible. They are truly blessed by the Holy Spirit."

Captain Bill Blackman explained that The Salvation Army is forming a community needs assessment commiittee to help determine how best to use the property.

by Peter Restivo