Salvation Army Brightens Newcomer’s First Christmas in Canada

Christmas is often a time for family gatherings. For many, it’s the only occasion each year when they can come together with loved ones. For new Canadians, who may have most of their family living abroad, the first holiday season can be particularly emotional.

Obehi Afuah, who arrived in Canada last year, enrolled in post-secondary studies while working part-time. She lived with her husband, although the rest of her family remained in their native Nigeria. At that time, her school expenses made it difficult to make ends meet, and she had just enough to get by.

“It made me less worried. It took a burden off my shoulders.”

The Salvation Army in Moose Jaw, Sask., helped make her first Christmas in Canada a special one.

“I received a gift card that helped me get a big turkey and do some extra shopping,” Obehi shares. “It made me less worried. It took a burden off my shoulders, as I was hoping to earn some extra money for something special for Christmas. It was wholesome, and I am very grateful.”

The extra help allowed Obehi and her husband to have a Christmas dinner with some new friends.

“We came together and had a good day. We played games and music, and everybody just chatted, ate, and laughed,” she recalls.

Obehi’s connection with The Salvation Army began soon after arriving in Canada. She heard of the organization at a newcomer centre and came looking for assistance. They helped set up her first home with some furniture. She was later encouraged to sign up for Christmas assistance.

“Whatever you can give goes a long way.”

The bond and trust with The Salvation Army grew stronger after that first Christmas. While working part-time at a local retailer, she heard of a job opening. Her persistence and desire to work for the Army helped secure the position of Money Management Program Lead and Trusteeship, that she currently holds.

“This work feels like ministry to me. I try to go above and beyond for my clients,” Obehi says.

As Obehi approaches her second holiday season in Canada, she is in a much-improved position. Not only does she have job security, she helps provide aid to clients in a similar position as she was a year ago.

Having experienced the assistance firsthand, Obehi urges the community to support The Salvation Army’s Christmas Kettle Campaign, as she believes every donation makes a difference.

“I would encourage anybody to donate, even if it’s $1 $2 $5 $10, whatever you can give goes a long way. It goes a long way to putting a smile on someone’s face, to put a warm jacket on the back of somebody, or to put their food on their table.”

By Juan Romero