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The Heart of Service: Where Volunteers Make All the Difference
Over 70 dedicated volunteers form the backbone of The Salvation Army’s community support in Parksville, a number that grows significantly during the Christmas season. Their impact reaches far beyond numbers, touching lives in ways that bring their supervisor to tears. Linda Cherewyk, Family Services and Food Bank Supervisor at The Salvation Army Mount Arrowsmith, becomes…
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Cuts of Hope: The Power of Volunteering
At The Salvation Army Ridge Meadows Ministries in Maple Ridge, acts of volunteerism help bring dignity and renewal to those facing difficult times. Between meals, emotional support, and social reintegration, a simple gesture—like a haircut—can make all the difference. Small gestures create a big impact at the housing facility. For Ellie Ollenberger, 22, a passionate…
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Hope and Community: The Salvation Army’s Impactful Spring Break Gathering
During spring break, The Salvation Army’s Surrey Ministries, led by Majors Glynden and Diane Cross, hosted a vibrant family event that brought the community together for a day of fun, food and fellowship. Held at the Community Church in Surrey, the event was designed to provide families with an opportunity to engage in various activities…
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Salvation Army Shelter Helps Client Move From Homelessness to Success
Peter (not his real name) has spent a long period of his life experiencing homelessness and struggling with addiction. Many times he attempted to get his life back, without success. However, over the past year, the staff at The Salvation Army’s Gateway of Hope shelter in Langley, B.C., have allowed him to embark on a…
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New Salvation Army Thrift Store Opens in Vernon
On January 10, 2025, The Salvation Army celebrated the grand opening of its new thrift store location in Vernon at the Midtown Mall (2707 43rd Avenue). This new store location allowed for the expansion of the food bank marking a significant step forward in addressing the growing demand for services in Vernon. The ribbon-cutting ceremony,…
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Boundless Vancouver Toy Shop Brings Joy to Families at Christmas
The Boundless Vancouver Toy Shop, an inspiring program by The Salvation Army, has once again brought significant relief and joy to families facing hardships during the holiday season. Neisy Castillo, Youth and Family Ministries Coordinator at Boundless Vancouver, shared that this year they served around 800 families. One of the families served was Andrea’s. A…
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CHEK Drive-Thru Raises Over $116,000 for Local Families
On Friday, December 6, 2024, CHEK’s parking lot in Victoria transformed into a hub of solidarity and generosity during the 31st Annual CHEK Christmas Drive-Thru & Telethon. With dozens of volunteers, donors, and engaged viewers, this year’s event exceeded all expectations, raising more than $116,000 in just two hours and collecting close to 3,000 toys…
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Volunteers from Uncle Vinny’s Toy Drive Witness Impact of Boundless Vancouver Toy Shop
The holiday season is a time for generosity, and few initiatives embody this spirit as beautifully as Uncle Vinny’s Toy Drive. Last week, a number of family members had the opportunity to volunteer at The Salvation Army Boundless Vancouver Toy Shop, where they witnessed firsthand the impact of their contributions. Among them was Pinder Saran,…
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From Father to Daughter: A Lifelong Dedication to Community Giving
Donna Hildebrand, a proud 71-year-old retiree from Logan Lake, BC, has made The Salvation Army a key part of her life, continuing a tradition of family generosity that began with her late father, Ben. Donna has been a committed monthly donor to The Salvation Army’s Red Shield for over 14 years, which allows for funds…
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Guided by Hope: Randy’s Transformative Story and His Mission to Help Others
Randy’s journey is a powerful testament to resilience and transformation, highlighting how support and community can truly change lives. Once facing immense hardship, he could easily have become, as he says, “just another statistic,” weighed down by a painful and challenging past. After losing his father, Randy turned to alcohol and drugs to cope, sinking…
