“Grand Forks Changed Me”

Ryan is a highschool student and aspiring photographer at Highroad Academy in Chilliwack. The school enjoys a very close relationship with their local Salvation Army and always encourages students to be involved in their community and to help others.

This past Spring, The Salvation Army welcomed the opportunity for volunteers to help them with flood relief efforts in Grand Forks.

“I never really connected to any sort of disaster relief as I was disconnected from the reality of serious situations,” says the young teen. But as rising flood levels began to affect his own region, Ryan immediately jumped at the idea of helping others in need.

He recalls the intensity and uncertainty that many felt during that time. “We encountered situations where we didn’t know what the outcome would be, or what the current status even was. We expected the worse and braced for impact.”

Serving upwards of 75 people a day, 3 meals a day, Ryan couldn’t believe how gracious and kind each person was. He enjoyed playing games, making jokes, laughing and putting smiles on others’ faces.

“Going on this trip has changed my attitude towards lending a hand. It was a true faith developing experiencing where I was able to bond with friends, listen to people’s stories… simply being there was incredible.”

Ryan describes serving alongside The Salvation Army as a “…therapeutic process that everyone needs to try, regardless of how often they’re able to do it.”

“This whole experience just captured my heart with a firm grasp,” explains Ryan, “I can’t imagine the affect we had on Grand Forks and the community.”