Donation of Meals Reaches First Responders Through The Salvation Army

Newfoundland has battled devastating wildfires for much of the summer. Many residents were affected. Trying to get everything under control are first responders such as firefighters and The Salvation Army’s Emergency Disaster Services (EDS) team. However, they are not alone.

In true Newfoundlander fashion, many community members across the province stepped in to help the efforts.

“We cook with lots of love.”

Mona al-Khalil, who owns the Syriana restaurant in St. John’s, gifted firefighters 60 meals. As someone who was once a newcomer from Syria, she saw this as an opportunity to give back to the country that welcomed her family with open arms.

“We just needed to find a way to say, ‘thank you,’” Mona shares. “We cook with lots of love.”

As soon as Mona’s family learned about the situation, they were ready to help. Her children wanted to volunteer and she began looking for ways to support. 

“I started calling people and going on websites. I met someone who was posting updates on a WhatsApp group who said many firefighters had to buy their food,” Mona adds.

After learning this, Mona was able to connect with a firefighter, who then contacted Major Rick Zelinsky of The Salvation Army for assistance.

“I reached out to the local EDS leader, Bruce Cluett, who was in St. John’s. He met with Mona and coordinated the delivery of the meals to firefighters,” Major Rick says. “Generosity inspires generosity and it is heartwarming in the midst of disaster.”

The firefighters were very appreciative of the gesture.

“People don’t know how much happiness they will get from helping or donating.”

“They were ecstatic. Especially about the fact that it was a home-cooked meal,” Bruce shares. “The family was also excited to help. Mona’s children wrote encouraging messages and drew some pictures for the firefighters.”

As the response has been lengthy due to the severity of the disaster, first responders have been working hard for weeks. It is challenging, physically and mentally. However, for Bruce, witnessing acts of kindness like these gives him the motivation to continue.

“It gave me a much-needed boost, seeing so many people willing to help.”

Mona was initially hesitant about getting recognition for her work. However, she eventually realized that sharing could encourage more people to act and assist with the wildfire response.

“What goes around, comes around. People don’t know how much happiness they will get from helping or donating,” Mona says.

“The Salvation Army serves more than 400 communities in Canada and we can do so thanks to these types of generous actions,” Major Rick concludes.

By Juan Romero