Volunteering Helps New Canadian Give Back During Pandemic

Less than a month ago, Augustine Ansong-Owusu was one of hundreds of Canadians who volunteered to help The Salvation Army provide essential services throughout the pandemic.

“I wanted to help too.”

“The Salvation Army is all over the world helping people,” says Augustine. “I wanted to help too.”

Each Monday, Augustine volunteers with The Salvation Army food bank delivery – a program that began in March to help Maritimers who were isolated in their homes due to the pandemic. In May, Augustine began volunteering with this program and making the deliveries.

“When I arrive at someone’s house, it puts a smile on their face,” he explains. “When I arrive, they know their community is here to help them in their time of need.”

“I’m giving them hope.”

But for Augustine, volunteering is more than a way to help those impacted by COVID-19. It was a way to give back to the country that helped him when he first came to Canada three years ago.

“When I came to Canada, the community helped me. When I deliver food to someone, I know they have the same feeling I did, that their community is there for them.”

Augustine is one of more than 130,000 volunteers in Canada that help The Salvation Army bring hope to vulnerable Canadians every day. 

“We’re not just giving them food. They smile, share their story with me. I’m giving them hope.”

Learn more about volunteering in your community.

By: Angela Rafuse