New Canadian Gives Back During Pandemic

New Canadian delivers food during pandemic
by SalvationArmy.ca
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Less than a month ago, Augustine Ansong-Owusu was one of hundreds of Canadians who volunteered to help The Salvation Army provide essential services throughout the COVID-19 pandemic.

“When I came to Canada, the community helped me,” says Augustine. “Whenever I deliver food to someone, I know they have the same feeling I did—that their community is there for them.”

“The Salvation Army is all over the world helping people”

Each Monday, Augustine volunteers with The Salvation Army food bank delivery, a program that began in March to help Maritimers who were isolated in their homes due to the pandemic.

“The Salvation Army is all over the world helping people,” says Augustine. “I wanted to help too.”

In May, Augustine began volunteering with this program and making the deliveries.

“When I arrive at someone’s house, it puts a smile on their face,” he explains. “They know their community is here to help them in their time of need.”

“When I came to Canada, the community helped me”

But for Augustine, volunteering is more than a way to help those impacted by COVID-19. It was a way to give back to the country that helped him when he first came to Canada three years ago.

“We’re not just giving them food,” says Augustine. “They smile and share their story with me. I’m giving them hope.”

Augustine is one of more than 130,000 volunteers in Canada that help The Salvation Army bring hope to vulnerable Canadians every day. 

By Angela Rafuse