Celebrating Our Diverse and Committed Volunteers

At many Salvation Army location across Canada, you will find selfless individuals with a passion for helping and making a difference. They graciously volunteer at programs such as food banks, street outreach and Christmas supports.

Volunteers are key to the success of the Army’s vision to give hope where there is hardship. Many programs and initiatives would not be possible without them. Meet four extraordinary volunteers who have dedicated years to The Salvation Army, transforming and uplifting lives.

Richard Louis (18 Years Volunteering)

 

After graduating high school, Richard Louis was introduced to The Salvation Army. Richard, who has always been interested in helping people, felt that Belkin House in Vancouver, a facility that provides a home to the homeless and those who are at risk of homelessness, would be the perfect place for him to contribute. Since 2006, Richard has volunteered at Belkin House’s community kitchen, preparing and serving meals to the residents.

“Volunteering at The Salvation Army provides me with a space where I am free to offer a helping hand as needed.”

“I like to find opportunities to help and advocate for other people, including members of my community who are less fortunate,” Richard said. “Volunteering at The Salvation Army provides me with a space where I am free to offer a helping hand as needed.”

Richard loves to be a volunteer. He helps at the community kitchen six to seven days a week, and sometimes even on holidays. Thanks to his tenure, he guides newer volunteers through their tasks and encourages others to support The Salvation Army. Throughout the years, he has made many friends volunteering.

“I am a people person and I have met so many great folks through my volunteer experiences,” Richard added.

Sandra Seal (14 Years Volunteering)

For Sandra Seal, The Salvation Army is a symbol of a new beginning. She had a tough upbringing and has struggled with her mental health in the past. Sandra believes that the Army has changed her life.

“Ever since I got involved with The Salvation Army, the only thing I can say is that it was a new lease on life. I have never looked back,” she shared.

Since getting introduced to The Salvation Army in Winnipeg in 2008, Sandra has volunteered.  She did it as a way to get her mind off other things, while doing something positive at the same time.

“Ever since I got involved with The Salvation Army, the only thing I can say is that it was a new lease on life.”

She has volunteered in many capacities. However, her highlight has been her work with the Emergency Disaster Services (EDS) team. During the summer months, along with the EDS team, Sandra goes out and delivers meals and hydration to the vulnerable population in the city. She notices that her contributions are making a difference in people’s lives.

“Without us, I don’t know how they would get food or even clean water. They are overwhelmed with gratitude when we come and park the truck,” Sandra shared.

Fran Manning (Six Years Volunteering)

For Fran Manning, her motivation behind volunteering is to show gratitude for the help she once received from The Salvation Army. Without asking for assistance, she recalls receiving a box full of groceries at her doorstep during a difficult time—an act that helped her feed her three children.

“They were always there for me when I needed them. I prayed that day to be able to give back and that’s what I’m doing now,” she said.

Fran volunteers for The Salvation Army in Sydney, N.S. She has helped at the food bank and even volunteered to deliver food hampers during Covid, when many were afraid to go outside.

Today, she focuses on helping at a weekly Salvation Army community café. Fran likes to build connections with the guests to help them. Many of the members of the café are international students looking for jobs. Fran looks for job leads for some of the students she has met.

Building relationships with the clients she meets, has allowed her to positively impact their lives.

“What I enjoy most about it is the rewarding feeling you get knowing that you’re helping others. It makes you feel really good to know that you are part of something great. And The Salvation Army is great,” Fran added.

Elsie Deleskie (Eight Years Volunteering)

During the holidays, Elsie likes to come to The Salvation Army in Sydney, to help package Christmas food and toy hampers. Although she loves helping, her main goal is to interact and cheer up the people she meets.

“Most of the clients that come in are going through hard times or a difficult situation. If you can make one person smile, or have a little laugh, then you’re doing something really good,” she said.

“When you volunteer at The Salvation Army, you feel welcome.”

Elsie also believes that as a senior it is important to volunteer, keep busy and socialize.

“When you volunteer at The Salvation Army, you feel welcome. You feel like you belong to the organization.”

These dedicated volunteers are an example to their community and prove that anyone can help in different ways.

If you are interested in volunteering, please visit https://salvationarmy.ca/volunteer/

By Juan Romero