THE MIRACLE AT 1197 SUTHERLAND AVE IS IN PROCESS

RATIONAL FOR THE PURCHASE

The location of the previous office in a very small rural community, gave us no visibility and limited access to personnel and other needed resources.
Since inception Bridges had operated out of the directors home in Oyama, but with up to 4 workers on any given day we were bursting at the seams.
Since inception in 1998 Bridges had talked about having a building to house offenders and meet administrative needs.
We lost our Kelowna drop-in in 2006 when the host church closed its doors.

WHY THIS PROPERTY?

It is centrally located with easy access to 3 federal halfway houses, 2 recovery houses, the Capri mall, bus lines, parole and probation offices and all the amenities.
Kelowna is the hub for both provincial and federal corrections in our service area (BC's southern interior).

The property has 2900 sq ft on two floors.

The 1450 sq ft main floor houses a drop in, administrative office, counselling room, employment agency and a small multipurpose room.
The 1450 sq ft second floor has room for 5 residents for up to 2 years, who have demonstrated sobriety and stability. Residents have random room checks and drug testing combined with direct daily access to all the support services Bridges provides.
Having a visible presence has significantly increased Bridges accessibility to clients, supporters, government and the public.

Bridges is extremely grateful for two individuals who generously provided interim financing so we could close the deal

BUILDING AQUISITION PROGRESS REPORT

We are delighted to report that October 31, 2007 Bridges took posession of our first property at 1197 Sutherland Ave. in Kelowna, BC. After many delays we finally got our permits December 10th, 07 and thanks to the incredible help of God, many great volunteers and trades people, we were able to move in the first week of March, 08 and held a successful grand opening on April 4th. November 25th, 08 having completed our 50' x 8' thrift storehouse addition, installing irrigation and landscaping in the back yard, we finally received the ocupancy permit! The physical part of the building project is now complete and we want to say a hearty thankyou to all who contributed to make that possible.

FINANCIAL STATUS at May 7 , 2010

ACTUAL COSTS

-($588,241) Paid to Purchase Property on October 30, 07

- $144,523 Total Reno Costs

- $ 47,704 Equipping Costs

-($780,468) TOTAL BUILDING COST INCL RENO & EQUIPING

-($ 3,750) Accruing 2nd Mortgage 2.5% int.($156.25m)to 10/30/09

+ $263,241 Cash Invested at Purchase & -($325,000 borrowed)

+ $ 75,000 Paid on 1st Mortgage (May 5, 08)

+ $144,523 Total Reno Monies Paid (including $5,579. in 2007)

+ $ 47,704 Equipping Monies Paid (including $208. in 2007)

+ $ 55,000 Paid on 1st Mortgage (Dec 12, 08)

+ $ 10,000 Paid on 1st Mortgage (May 12, 09)

+ $ 35,000 Paid on 1st Mortgage (June 3, 09)

+ $ 10,000 Paid on 1st Mortgage (Aug 17, 08)

+ $ 5,000 Paid on 1st Mortgage (Sept 10, 09)

+ $ 20,000 Paid on 1st Mortgage (Oct 7, 09)

+ $ 10,000 Felson paid on 1st Mortgage (Nov 23, 09)

+ $ 20,000 paid on 1st Mortgage (Nov 27, 09)

+ $ 10,000 Paid 1st Mortgage in full (Dec 16, 09)

+ $ 15,000 Paid on 2nd Mortgage (May 7, 10)

-($ 60,000) Owing as of May 7, 2010

As you can see from the numbers above, we have a lot to be thankful for. However the project is a long ways from being paid for, and our desire is to be debt free as quickly as possible. Any help you can provide in paying down the mortgage would be greatly appreciated. You will receive a charitable receipt and your eternal reward is guaranteed!

BE PART OF THE CONTINUING MIRACLE

Click to make an online credit card donation
Mail us a cash donation
Call about setting up preauthorized monthly payments (1-866-548-9242)
Pray with us for completion of debt repayment

7 Reasons Why You Can Donate to the Bridges to New Life Society with Confidence

	The Bridges to New Life Society was founded and is run by volunteers who have given us their trust since 1998. Today, on an annual basis, more than 500 donors and 70 local volunteers give their time and money to the Bridges to New Life Society. We are proud of this support which enables us to provide opportunities for positive life change to approximately 700 clients every year.

	Bridges board of reputable community members, as well as the independent accounting firm Meyers Penny North LLP, review the Bridges to New Life Society’s finances annually. The Society also passes, routine audits by the Canada Revenue Agency who oversee the charitable sector in this country. Bridges complete financial statements are available to our supporters upon request by calling 1-866-548-9242.

	The Bridges to New Life Society does not use commission-based fundraising techniques. To maintain a high ethical standard when it comes to fundraising, we rely on grassroots events, personal and corporate gifts and the goodwill of the Christian community.

	The Bridges to New Life Society regularly receives funds to meet the ongoing work of the society. Should donations collected for a specific fundraising effort meet the amount required; the Bridges to New Life Society will cease collecting donations for that purpose and communicate this information to the public.
	The Bridges to New Life Society uses the latest technology to ensure the integrity and privacy of any information you provide. Whether you donate by mail, online, telephone or in person; we work hard to ensure that your funds are safe and that your personal information is kept private.

	The Bridges to New Life Society is highly efficient out of necessity, since 96% of our revenue comes from personal and corporate donations. Because we receive virtually no government funding, we try to ensure that every dollar raised is used to maximum benefit.

	Other than for the purchase of our building, we are proud to say that since incorporation in 1998, our largest year to year operating deficit was -$4,600, and that was back in 2000 (our first year with full time staff).