An Olympian Dedication to Serving the Community

Ed Wallace lives a very active life. When he is not practising sports, he is helping people in his community of Nipawin, Sask. Ed used to work as an auctioneer; however, when his employer was forced to shut down due to the pandemic, Ed decided to dedicate his free time to The Salvation Army.

There was plenty of motivation for Ed to help others full-time. He competed in snowshoeing events at the 2009 and 2013 Special Olympics World Winter Games in the United States and South Korea. Ed raised enough funds to travel thanks to the community’s financial support.

“Since the community helped me, I always figured it was fair enough I helped the community back,” Ed says.

As a child, Ed was introduced to The Salvation Army. So, when deciding how to help, he knew the Army was the perfect place to go to. His grandmother attended the church, and his father volunteered during the Christmas Kettle season. His grandmother and both of his parents were soldiers—official members— in The Salvation Army.

“My whole family is involved with the Army in one way or another,” Ed adds.

For four years now, Ed has been helping The Salvation Army in different ways. His main task is to cook church supper every Monday and Friday. However, Ed is always open to getting involved in other ways.

“I usually fill in for other people if they’re not there.”

Some of the additional responsibilities he takes on include sorting and shipping the donations they receive at the church, following in his father’s footsteps by taking on Kettle shifts atChristmas and helping to assemble hampers.

Ed’s transition into The Salvation Army was seamless, as he is well recognized among the people in Nipawin. For anyone coming in for assistance, Ed’s face is a familiar and welcomesight. Seeing people happy is his favourite aspect of volunteering.

“I like meeting new people and seeing smiles on their faces when I am there,” Ed shares.

Although Ed is usually the one helping others, he sometimes accepts help. He is grateful to The Salvation Army for giving him support and for being there for him.

“They’ve been there whenever I needed food or somebody to talk to. They are there to help me,” Ed says.

Outside of The Salvation Army, Ed is open to helping people with any house–maintenance tasks, and he enjoys offering meals to those experiencing homelessness.

“People in town know they can depend on me if they need assistance with anything,” Ed adds.

Thanks to his family’s lifelong involvement with The Salvation Army, Ed hopes to become an official member one day, just like his grandmother and parents.

By Juan Romero