Snowy Range Pass

Snowy Range Pass

Thursday, November 19, 2015

Dr. Wilfred Grenfell

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:

Nickie and Jim said...

Cool post about something I knew nothing about. Guess we missed this when we were in St Anthony, so thanx for sharing.

Sherry said...

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!

Phyllis said...

And what a beautiful house.

Paul and Marsha Weaver OCT. 17, 2009 said...

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.

Paul and Marti Dahl said...

Just goes to show how much of a difference one man can make.

Gypsy said...

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.

Linda said...

Fascinating post, and I absolutely love your photos!

Laura said...

Great man is the term that comes to mind.

Erin said...

Quite the guy!

Roadrunner Chronicles said...

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!