National Donut Day honours our veterans

What do a small round piece of fried dough and one of Canada’s oldest charities have in common? You may be surprised to learn that there is actually a rich history between the tasty donut treats and The Salvation Army – so much so, National Donut Day was created in 1938.

Salvation Army Donut Lassies, dubbed “Donut Girls”, made fresh, complementary donuts for soldiers serving in France during World War I. Two Lassies named Ensign Margaret Sheldon and Adjutant Helen Purviance cleverly thought to fry the donuts, made from the rationed ingredients that were available.

The scent of freshly baked goods permeated the air and drew homesick soldiers to the service “hut” where they could enjoy a taste of home. Word spread quickly among the soldiers – “If you’re hungry and broke, you can get something to eat at The Salvation Army.”

In the Maritimes, in recognition of donut day, Salvation Army communities such as Halifax, N.S. and Saint John N.B.,  are joining forces with local businesses to hand out donuts.

“Who would have thought handing out donuts could be so meaningful?” says Capt. Jamie Locke, Director of Public Relations for The Salvation Army. “The motivation behind the original “donut day,” is our continued mission, to serve others and give hope. Sometimes its the little things that matter most.”