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Rain or Shine: Tepi Hughes Brings Heart and Hope to Victoria’s Christmas Kettles
When you encounter Tepi Hughes at her Christmas kettle outside London Drugs, you’re immediately struck by her warm smile and genuine enthusiasm. Rain or shine, snow or wind, she’s there—bundled up in layers, bell in hand, greeting every passerby with a cheerful “Merry Christmas!” “Don’t be afraid to do it. Get out there and do…
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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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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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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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How Grandpa’s Socks Inspired Him to Volunteer
At The Salvation Army, we often hear stories that remind us of the profound impact volunteering can have—not just about those we serve, but about the volunteers themselves. One such story is that of Doug, a dedicated volunteer who has been ringing Kettle bells during the Christmas season for 17 years. Doug’s journey with us…
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YVR Partners with Salvation Army for Large-Scale Emergency Training and Response Drill
Vancouver International Airport (YVR) hosted an airport-wide emergency training exercise simulating an aircraft incident. Approximately 200 personnel from local, provincial and federal agencies gathered at the airport to test and further strengthen emergency response plans. During the simulation, members of The Salvation Army Emergency Disaster Services were present and, despite it being a simulation, everyone played…
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Embracing Hope and Unity: A Volunteer’s Journey at The Salvation Army
In the heart of The Salvation Army Connection Point Church & Resource Centre, a ray of hope shines brightly through the compassionate efforts of Li Wang, affectionately known as Heather. Heather’s dedication to serving the community with warmth and unity embodies the values of The Salvation Army. “It’s about connecting with people, showing empathy, and…
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British Columbians Answer the Bell
British Columbians Answer the Bell Across British Columbia this past year we faced dire and uncertain circumstances due to the COVID-19 Pandemic, but in the middle of all of this fear and uncertainty, there shone a bright light in our province. Our annual Kettle Campaign this year surpassed our target goal and we managed to…
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Answering the Call
Answering the Call During the Christmas season, The Salvation Army launched our iconic kettle campaign across Canada amid a pandemic. Don Noland was listening to his radio when he heard an ad explaining the need for volunteers to help ring the bells with us this holiday season. Having a personal connection to The Salvation Army…
