Long-time Volunteer Keeps Barrhaven Church Running Smoothly

When it comes to his volunteer contributions. 76-year-old Harold Humber is priceless.

At The Salvation Army Barrhaven Church in Ottawa Harold Humber is irreplaceable in his volunteer role. He’s currently the church treasurer, director of finance, and a Mission board member. He sits on the church building team, takes his turn on the Christmas kettles, and even spends a few mornings a week opening mail and answering phones in the office.

“It brings me peace of mind. It’s all in God’s work in one form or another. For me, it is the satisfaction of having done it, not for the recognition,” Harold says. “The recognition bothers me. I get a personal satisfaction in having contributed to the betterment of the community.”

His modesty is real; Harold is uncomfortable with accolades, with being the centre of attention. Major Jim Mercer says Barrhaven Church could not operate as smoothly as it does without Harold Humber.

“When Harold commits to something, it’s 150 per cent. It’s not half done. I could trust Harold with my bank account because of his integrity,” says Major Mercer. “You know you can leave the church in Harold’s hands when it comes to the property. I wish I could clone him.”

For the last 10 years, he has taken on increasingly important roles for Barrhaven Church, utilizing his skills in finance and budgeting as a Government of Canada employee. Since 2011, Harold has been part of the property to committee to build a proper standalone Barrhaven Church.

“When we started on this project, the plan was to be finished in 5 years. That’s why I’m still around to see it completed,” Harold says.

While he prefers to not be singled out for his dedication to the Church and the community, Harold has received his share of awards. In 1992, the Governor General at the time, Ray Hnatyshyn, honoured Harold with a community service medal on the 125th birthday of Canada. In 2006, United Way East Ontario presented him with a Community Builder award for his volunteer service that is not limited only to The Salvation Army.

For 12 years, he served as board president of the Good Companions Senior Centre, took charge of the finances of a local school for students with Autism. He is a lifetime member of the local Kinsmen Club. Three years ago, Harold and his wife, Betty, started supporting the Alpha Course program, which provides a hot meal to student at Ottawa’s Algonquin College taking part in the faith-based program. The Humbers would drive from their home to Ottawa Booth Centre, pick up the food, drive to the college, set up and serve meals, and then clean up afterward.

Humber credits his parents and the societal influence while growing as reasons why he gives of his time so generously to help others.

“I’ve been doing this for some 60 years, volunteering in one form or another, so it’s not new to me. Growing up in Newfoundland, it was one of the things you did; if there was an opportunity to help someone you helped them.”