Salvation Army Honours Volunteers Worldwide Who Change Lives Forever

Emojis represent volunteers world wide
by SalvationArmy.ca
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International Volunteer Day is held annually on December 5. Today, The Salvation Army recognizes its global army of compassionate individuals who have shared hope and changed lives for the better as the people of Ukraine navigate the devastating and widespread humanitarian impacts of the Russian invasion.

In March 2022, Dr. Jeff Pitcher, a lifelong member of The Salvation Army and whose home is in Orillia, Ont., flew into Poland and drove three hours to Medyka. There, he volunteered with Rescuers Without Borders, an international, non-governmental organization that provides relief in humanitarian crisis zones.

“After seeing a posting by an American physician asking doctors to come over to the Ukrainian border, I knew I had the skills to help,” says Dr. Pitcher. “With my previous experience volunteering with The Salvation Army, I was aware of what kind of situation I was getting into, though I had never been this close to a war zone.”

Dr. Pitcher was stationed in a medical tent for eight days, where he provided care to people as they crossed the border.

In the United Kingdom, Clare Brown had recently started to attend her local Salvation Army when it was announced there would be a drop-in for Ukrainian families arriving to live with families in Sutton. They longed for a place in which to come together.

“It has been a privilege to be part of this work,” says Clare. “As the families came alongside each other, developed new friendships, supported one another, empathized with each other, you could see strength and unity. While a new Ukrainian community was being developed, their resilience and fortitude were awe-inspiring.”

“It has been a privilege to be part of this work.”

At the drop-in, families were passionate to keep their Ukrainian identity strong and—whether it was to hear them sing their songs, dance, read poetry and, later, to enjoy a feast of Ukrainian food that both old and young had prepared—was incredible and deeply moving.

Meanwhile, the Russian invasion of Ukraine had caused a mass exodus of Ukrainians to safe countries, such as Australia. Most were women and children with just a suitcase, with hearts burdened by the tragedies in their country and fear for the men they left behind.

“We also put a plea out for volunteers to interpret. The response was overwhelming.”

“Many Ukrainians were connected to Salvation Army migrant-focused programs throughout Australia, as well as to local Salvation Army churches. In Sydney, employment support is helping to provide connections to the community, support services and groups,” says Rebecca Micallef of The Salvation Army. We also put a plea out for volunteers to interpret. The response was overwhelming. People wanted to help any way they could.”

The Salvation Army believes in sharing hope wherever there is hardship. This is the foundation of our army of givers, which includes our compassionate volunteers. They stand beside us every day, ensuring that our vulnerable neighbours know they are not alone in times of need.

By Linda Leigh