A Mother’s Gratitude for The Salvation Army’s Consistent Support
Feeling scared, anxious, and physically shaking, Blessing came to The Salvation Army in Milton, Ont., for the first time in 2014. As a single mother of four children, times were tough for her financially. The staff at The Salvation Army welcomed her with open arms and became a great support in her life to this day. Something she feels eternally grateful for.
“They just started taking care of me. It’s not just about food, they ask you about your life, they want to know if you are doing okay,” Blessing said.
“It’s not just about food, they ask you about your life, they want to know if you are doing okay.”
For years, The Salvation Army’s Khi Community in Milton has provided Blessing with food, transportation, spiritual, and practical assistance. In 2018, she suffered a serious accident that left her unable to work. The Army helped her through her recovery and subsequently has helped her every month to make sure she has everything she needs for her family.
Blessing’s fondest memories of The Salvation Army revolve around Christmas time. Every holiday season her children receive gifts, toys, and school supplies.
“As a single mother, after paying rent and everything, I don’t usually have anything left. I didn’t have money to buy gifts for my children,” she said.
“I didn’t have money to buy gifts for my children.”
Ahead of Blessing’s first Christmas since coming to The Salvation Army, a staff member at the Khi Community wrote her children’s names and ages down. Soon after she received an abundance of gifts.
“It was just so amazing. When I got home, the children were so happy. I couldn’t believe it, every toy they wanted and everything they needed for school they got,” Blessing shared. “I always tell my children to never forget this place. ‘They are the ones that took care of you guys.’”
Every Christmas the Army was there for Blessing. Even during Covid she received Christmas support via drive-thru.
Blessing is enrolled in a continuing education program. She has met many classmates who as newcomers to Canada need extra support to make ends meet. Blessing never hesitates to refer people to The Salvation Army, as she believes it is a place that welcomes everyone.
Marisa Prada who is the community and family services manager, emphasizes that many new Canadians are coming to The Salvation Army in Milton, and the diversity they find when they arrive makes a positive impact on them.
“At this location, we have people that come from many different countries. We have staff that speak different languages so when clients come and find someone that speaks their language it makes a huge difference. Everyone is welcome here,” Marisa said.
This Christmas the demand is projected to be extremely high for The Salvation Army in Milton. Marisa says that just in October the Khi Community’s food bank served nearly 2,000 individuals. She expects this number to double for Christmas.
By Juan Romero
