Marathon Runner Finds Hope Thanks to The Salvation Army
Joshua Koromei has only been in Canada for three months. Despite his short time in the country, he has lived in three different provinces. Throughout his journey, The Salvation Army has been there every step of the way.
Originally from Kenya, Joshua was granted refugee status because of violence and theft in the region he lived in. He arrived in Montreal in November 2023. When he landed, he quickly learned about The Salvation Army.
“I googled shelters and found The Salvation Army.”
“I googled shelters and found The Salvation Army. I saw ‘Giving Hope Today’, so I thought, ‘Well, this is the option for me!,’” Joshua shared. Wasting no time and, after finding accommodation at the shelter, he resumed his daily training. However, the cold proved to be a tough challenge for him. During one of his runs, he got lost and ended up having to find his way back in extremely cold conditions.
When he was able to make it back to the shelter, Joshua once again turned to Google and concluded that British Columbia was the place to go due to their milder weather. He used some of his savings to travel to Ontario and stayed at The Salvation Army’s Booth Centre in Hamilton until he was able to get funds to travel to his new home. In January, he moved to Victoria, B.C.
While Joshua was excited about this new start, he realized that it would be an adjustment. He didn’t know anyone or anything about the city. The only place he was familiar with was The Salvation Army.
“The Salvation Army was like home for me because it was the only place I knew,” he said.
He reached out to The Salvation Army in Victoria, and they were able to house him.
“I got a space to sleep and got food. Everything was clean and they are very serious about their programs.”
“The Salvation Army was like home for me because it was the only place I knew.”
The local community has united to help Joshua in different ways. He found part-time employment at a local mall thanks to some friends in the Kenyan community. He also found housing thanks to a generous neighbour who heard about his story and sent a letter to The Salvation Army letting them know she had a room for him at her house.
Joshua still trains every day. He hopes to compete in the Calgary Marathon in May. This will be the first time he competes in North America. He has previously raced in some of the most iconic races in Africa, including the Kilimanjaro Marathon in Tanzania.
As his new life in Canada progresses, Joshua is still connected to The Salvation Army who supports him with clothes and bus passes.
“They are committed to opening their doors for people. They are ready to keep people safe and give them hope for a better life,” Joshua added.
By Juan Romero
Photo credit: Benjamin Barry
