More Than a Doughnut: A Legacy of Kindness

Today, The Salvation Army is celebrating more than just the goodness of doughnuts – we’re honouring a legacy of compassion, community, and service.

National Doughnut Day, first established in 1938, pays tribute to the brave “Doughnut Lassies” of The Salvation Army. These remarkable women served thousands of freshly baked pastries to soldiers during the First World War, providing comfort and a taste of home.

More than just a delicious treat, the doughnuts have become a symbol of hope – a small gesture that can bring joy and connection to those who need it most. That same spirit lives on today through people like Ian Broscoe, a valued community partner and co-owner of Total Donut Solutions.

Every Friday, Ian arrives at our Halifax West location with handcrafted doughnuts, lovingly made and generously donated, to be shared among community members. On National Doughnut Day, his weekly drop-off feels even more meaningful.

“We started off as a wholesale bakery and didn’t have a storefront at the time, so we had very little connection or interaction with the public,” Ian recalls. “We wanted to do something to get involved with people, something to help out charitably. Being just a small team of two people, we don’t have a ton of production, but we asked around to find someone giving away free food that we could join in with.”

That’s how the connection with The Salvation Army began – a simple act of reaching out, rooted in the desire to give back.

For those we serve, Ian’s generosity is more than just a sweet gesture – it’s a reminder that someone cares.

“Honestly, we hope that it puts people in a good mood – that’s what we get from our customers as well. We sell something that you could call an indulgence, so it’s something that can bring a bit of pure joy to your day,” Ian shares. “It might be called a little impractical, but it’s just a mood lifter. Something that increases people’s positivity.”

Having lived in Halifax for 20 years, Ian understands the importance of building strong community ties.

“Businesses can just take and not give, and that doesn’t help the community in general,” he says. “Just being involved a little and getting to know people – not just customers, but others and helping people with the resources you have.”

At The Salvation Army, we’re grateful for Ian and for everyone who continues to embody the spirit of the original Doughnut Lassies – spreading kindness, one doughnut at a time.

As Ian puts it: “We really appreciate that people support our business, and we know that not everyone can. The fact that we’re capable of giving back and giving away a small amount of free food – that’s important to us. We wanted to make some effort to make what we offer accessible to everyone.”