You do not have to spend a lot of time in northern
Newfoundland or Labrador before you hear about Dr. Grenfell. We learned that he arrived in
Newfoundland/Labrador in the early 1890's.
He was there to provide medical support to those who previously had no
medical access at all. What started as a missionary assignment from England
turned into a lifetime personal project.
He established hospitals, clinics, shelters, food banks and raised money
around the world so that he could provide medical support to those who so desperately
needed it. I have included some links
that describe his amazing mission. One
of the early events that caught the world's attention took place in 1908 and is
described in the below poster.
For many years his organization was the primary and
often only provider of medical and spiritual support for the people of
Labrador. We visited his home and museum
in St Anthony, where there are many reminders of his efforts. There is a collection of pictures from him and his friends available to look at in binders on the front
veranda of his home. I spent as much
time as I could looking through them and could have spent much longer, had I
the time.
The large organization that he created was turned
over to the provincial government in 1981 for a fee of one dollar, which was 41
years after his death. It is an amazing
story of devotion to a worthwhile cause.
10 comments:
Cool post about something I knew nothing about. Guess we missed this when we were in St Anthony, so thanx for sharing.
What an amazing man to dedicate his life to helping these people. Nearing the end of their lives, people sometimes wonder if they will be remembered. Leaving a legacy of service like this certainly insures his memory and admiration. Great post!
And what a beautiful house.
What a cool header photo!
Oh my gosh, just reading about him in the ice water made me nervous. Dr. Grenfell was one amazing man. I don't think I would have made it. His home and museum are wonderful. Enjoy the photos of him helping others. Great tour.
Just goes to show how much of a difference one man can make.
It would take a special person to come to a relatively remote place to provide services to the people there. His house looks really beautiful and comfortable at least.
Fascinating post, and I absolutely love your photos!
Great man is the term that comes to mind.
Quite the guy!
Fascinating read of a man who had a big heart and gave his life serving others. Never heard of most of the people in his biography but I did recognize the name of DL Moody. Great post!
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