It is nearly Christmas and especially at this time of year many of us reach out and help people in our neighbourhoods and around the world. This blog is about a woman who walks the talk all year round.

Her name is Christine Barr and she runs the Manna House Thrift Store in Milford. The shop, which opened in August 2008, is part of Lighthouse Ministries who hold services in the Shubenacadie Community Hall, 2848 Hwy 2 Shubenacadie, Nova Scotia.

Christine, and her husband Neil, quietly give to our community in many ways: their home is a sanctuary for youth who need a place to stay; they organize a "Traveling Food Bank" which collects and delivers food to locations throughout the area; they provide furnishings, household goods and clothing to families in need; they work cross culturally with residents of Indian Brook to support families. Their larger vision is to have a drop in centre for youth in Shubenacadie. Meanwhile they accept donations during store hours (Tuesday - Friday 10 am - 5 pm and Saturday 10 am - 4 pm) to support the many outreach programs. All the profits from the thrift store are invested back into the community to transform the lives of troubled youth. For more information go to Manna House website.