For 38 years, Lawrence used hard drugs to wipe out the memories of the sexual trauma he experienced while growing up. Last year, he graduated from a Salvation Army drug treatment program in Ottawa. “I’m glad I came here,” says Lawrence. “My life needed to change.” From an early age, heartbreak shattered Lawrence’s self-worth and  […]

Wayne Hunter has been affected by episodes of mental illness since he was a teenager. Today, the 40-year-old credits much of his healing to The Salvation Army in Belleville, Ont. “I have overcome a lot of hurdles,” says Wayne. “I’m more stable now and The Salvation Army has played a part in that. In my  […]

Mengsteab Abraha was arrested and imprisoned for praying with friends. Then he lived in a refugee camp where conditions were so deplorable he chooses not to discuss it. Yet, after horrible punishment and tremendous struggles, Abraha has found peace and new opportunities, thanks to The Salvation Army. “The Evangelical Church was outlawed in Eritrea by  […]

At 18, Jessica learned she was pregnant and was nervous about everything. She had grown up without a mom’s love, nurturing and support, and didn’t know whether she would have the skills to be a good mother. The Salvation Army’s parenting programs in Ottawa helped her with advice, emotional support and ways of coping with  […]

In 2018, Both and his young family lived in rapidly deteriorating conditions in a refugee camp in Ethiopia. They were convinced they wouldn’t live another year. This year, and thanks to The Salvation Army (working with government resettlement efforts) in Ottawa. Both’s prayers for a better future are a reality. But his past is not  […]

For individuals and families with few resources, putting food on the table and experiencing the joy of gift giving at Christmas can be stressful. Thanks to your generosity, The Salvation Army is able to make Christmas a little easier for people such as Tara. “I was overcome with emotion when I received toys for my  […]

“I remember the day well. It was December 19, 2017, and I was happy to be picking up a Christmas hamper and toys from The Salvation Army in Vernon, B.C.,” says Marcus (not his real name). “But 10 minutes from my house, a car from the opposite direction crossed a double line and hit my  […]