Forever Grateful to The Salvation Army

Phyliss stands in front of Christmas tree wearing Christmas sweater
by SalvationArmy.ca
Share:

Every time Phyllis Barnaby sees or hears anything related to The Salvation Army, she gets emotional. It is a reminder of the support and care she received from the organization at a young age. As a way to give back to The Salvation Army, Phyllis now contributes to it whenever she gets the chance.

As a child, Phyllis’ life was challenging. While living in the small and remote community of Buckfield, N.S., her mother had to raise 10 children with very little means, living off the land, and with no running water.

Due to her family’s situation, someone within their community decided to make The Salvation Army aware of it. Since that moment, Phyllis’ life was moved in a way she will never forget.

“Each year for several years, The Salvation Army delivered Christmas dinners and presents to each one of us. You should’ve seen my mother’s face, a relief always came over her knowing she was going to be able to cook a turkey for us on Christmas Day,” she said.

“The Salvation Army taught me the meaning of giving.”

Phyllis recalls one specific year in which she was especially moved by The Salvation Army’s work. On the day her family was supposed to receive their Christmas hampers, a strong blizzard hit their community. Yet, despite the treacherous conditions, a member of The Salvation Army drove to their town and even walked up the hill on which their house was located, to deliver their Christmas dinner and gifts. It was a gesture Phyllis remembers fondly to this day.

“I have never forgotten that. For somebody to drive through dangerous roads, in those conditions, and do all that for us? It was mind-boggling. Had it not been for this individual’s commitment, we would not have had Christmas that year.”

As time passed things got better for Phyllis and, alongside her, The Salvation Army was always there. She moved to Halifax, N.S., and got a job as a ward clerk at the former Grace Maternity Hospital. A hospital that was founded and run by The Salvation Army. She describes her experience working there as a “full-circle” moment. It meant so much to her that she decided she wanted the hospital chaplain to conduct her wedding.

“They help everyone, no matter who you are.”

“The hospital’s chaplain got special permission to marry my husband and me after I asked her to. That’s how much The Salvation Army means to me,” she said.

Thanks to the help she received, Phyllis has made it a priority to contribute to The Salvation Army. She now works as a Residence Manager, and together with her co-workers, she hosts an annual toy drive. Additionally, Phyllis donates to every Salvation Army kettle she passes by. She says The Salvation Army is the charity she likes to contribute the most to, and that the help she received throughout her childhood taught her and her siblings that it is important to be kind.

“The Salvation Army taught me the meaning of giving. They help everyone, no matter who you are. They taught me that it is important to be nice to people, and love everybody,” Phyllis said.

By Juan Romero