The Salvation Army Commemorates National Doughnut Day

Firefighters in Hamilton Ont., accept doughnuts while standing in front of truck
by SalvationArmy.ca
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Each year on the first Friday of June, The Salvation Army celebrates National Doughnut Day.

This tradition started back in 1938. It was initially set up as a fundraising effort to honour the “Doughnut Lassies”, who bravely delivered doughnuts to soldiers on the frontline during the First World War. Today, National Doughnut Day serves as a day for The Salvation Army to honour all frontline and essential service workers, who are an integral part of communities across the country.

Some locations commemorate doughnut day differently than others. According to Lieutenant Derek Kerr, this year The Salvation Army in Saskatoon is partnering with a local Tim Hortons to deliver doughnuts to frontline workers in the city.

“Whether it is a doughnut or just a few kind words we want to show frontline workers how much they are loved and appreciated.”

“Whether it is a doughnut or just a few kind words we want to show frontline workers how much they are loved and appreciated,” Lt Kerr said.

In previous years while he was stationed in Goderich, Ont., Lt Kerr’s approach to doughnut day was different.

“Back then my wife, Lt Angela Kerr, along with some volunteers, made the doughnuts themselves. We were in a rural setting, so it was easier to reach everyone there that way,” Lt Kerr said.

Salvation Army visits Parkwood Institute Veterans Care Facility in London, Ont., to hand out doughnuts.

Salvation Army visits Parkwood Institute Veterans Care Facility in London, Ont., to hand out doughnuts.

Lt Kerr always enjoys the celebration of this day for two main reasons. The first one is because his grandfather, who fought in the Second World War, always spoke fondly of The Salvation Army’s work during the war. The second one is because his family originally came to the Army as clients, and they feel grateful for the love and kindness they received when they were accessing social services.

“Without The Salvation Army we wouldn’t have been able to get back on our feet, so it is personal for me and my wife on those two fronts,” Lt Kerr added.

Winnipeg’s Centre of Hope has also partnered with Tim Hortons to deliver 900 doughnuts and coffee. However, they are planning to expand the service to more people. In addition to serving frontline workers, the Centre of Hope will also be setting up an emergency disaster vehicle to share some doughnuts and coffee with the more vulnerable population in the community.

“This is an opportunity for our leadership team and frontline employees to step outside of the building and speak with people directly.”

“We feel like the people that are struggling in our neighbourhoods probably need the doughnuts more. It also gives us an opportunity to talk to them and see if we can provide more services for them,” said Executive Director of the Centre of Hope, Mark Stewart.

In addition, Mark believes that doughnut day gives the staff at the Centre of Hope the opportunity to get to know people in their community and get a different perspective.

“This is an opportunity for our leadership team and frontline employees to step outside of the building and speak with people directly, saying hello, being friendly and seeing the other side of things through the lens of vulnerable people,” Mark said.

This year National Doughnut Day is on Friday, June 2. The doughnut serves as a symbol of the social services The Salvation Army provides for those in need.

 

By Juan Romero