It was yet another example of the generosity of the Energy City, as residents showed that their pockets are always wide open for somebody in need.

The organizers of the annual community Good Friday service chose to send the proceeds this year from the offering taken up to the Estevan chapter of Habitat for Humanity and their house building project in town.

"We had talked with the ministerial back in the early fall, seeking out from them indications of people that they might consider suggesting to be involved as potential partner families. We were just basically trying to make the Habitat opportunity aware to the people of Estevan," related Doug Barnstable, the Chairman of the Habitat Steering Committee.

"Then within the last month, we were informed that they had agreed to provide the offering from the Good Friday service to Habitat. We were quite pleased that that was something that they had elected to do, and it's something that's definitely going to be a big help for us."

Pastor Scott Harrison, one of the organizers of the event, revealed that since the costs for putting on the service have decreased, they have sent the proceeds for the last several years to different charities. However, they found this year special.

"We knew that they are new and just getting started, so we wanted to help them out," he shared.

"We come from a pretty diversified group. The churches all have their different mission projects and charities that they associate with, but Habitat was one that everybody seems to identify with quite well."

Harrison noted the impact that the non-profit has on the Energy City.

"It helps individuals. When there's a family in need, it gives them a good start. It also affects the community, because it gives the it the opportunity to be generous towards something that is meaningful and good, and I think that is always a positive influence."

So far the group is still working towards the purchase of a lot to begin building on. Once that is accomplished, they can get a permit and some provincial and municipal funding, and then initiate construction. Barnstable revealed that will likely take place at the end of May.

"We are approaching about $65,000 right now. We have some other fundraising things that we are doing right now that may help us to do that sooner, but right now we are looking at the end of next month as the most likely time."

He said that they are always welcoming donations, as well as people willing to put their names forward as volunteers for the construction phase. 

"We are very encouraged with the support that we are getting from the community, and we really appreciate that," he expressed.