The Salvation Army and Operation Mobilizing Hope Bring Warmth to Ontarians in Need

With freezing temperatures sweeping across Ontario, the need for warmth has increased dramatically for families and individuals in need. Recently, on one of these cold winter days, The Salvation Army’s Emergency Disaster Services Team and Operation Mobilizing Hope discovered an opportunity to work together to help those in need. 

Operation Mobilizing Hope provides blessing bags and food to those who are struggling throughout Ontario. Unfortunately, their program, which would be typically running at this time of the year, had to be put on hold due to COVID-19 restrictions and food trucks were not running throughout the pandemic. The good news came when they connected with Emergency Disaster Services in London, where all of their preparation for the program could be put to an unexpected and very timely use. 

Throughout the pandemic many volunteers for Operation Mobilizing Hope knitted warm accessories, including hats, mitts, gloves, and scarves. Many of the brightly coloured winter necessities were provided from seniors sharing their knitting talents and generosity in their spare time.  

“We had so many warm knitted accessories from this effort that when the cold front came, we were thrilled to have these expressions of love and care that could provide more significant warmth to those in need”, noted Captain Nicholas J. Samuel, Corps Officer of The Salvation Army London Citadel. 

In the downtown London core on Dundas Street, The Salvation Army’s Emergency Disaster Services team was out in the freezing temperatures serving warmth to many. Coffee, hot chocolate, tea, and warm snacks were handed out during the cold winter weather, and many individuals and families received the hats, mitts, gloves, blankets, and more to stay bundled up. 

“There are still plenty of supplies”, stated Captain Nicholas J. Samuel, “and it’s great to know that we’re ready to provide them as soon as they’re needed. We so thankful that Operation Mobilizing Hope and Emergency Disaster Services have connected to bring hope to so many in our community.” 

By: Bianca Schmutz