A Tradition of Giving Back Lives on in Whitby

Marilyn Lannon’s reason for volunteering is summed up with three simple words: ‘giving is living.’

Having been raised in The Salvation Army, the value of doing for others was instilled in her at a young age. Those values continue to be an important part of both her and husband Wayne’s lives as they give their time to The Salvation Army Food Bank at Whitby Community Church.

“Being able to help with the Food Bank and meet the people involved has been like a gift to me.  And attending Whitby Community Church with my husband is like coming full circle, back to our roots,” Marilyn explains.

She says it is the passionate work of the Salvation Army in Whitby that drew her back the organization to be able to assist in improving the lives of those who need help the most. It is this commitment and passion for supporting others that led her and Wayne to join The Salvation Army Whitby Community Church.

“The thoughtfulness and care by the volunteers who help is a direct result of knowing how important each bag of food is to the people and families who worry about food insecurity,” Marilyn says.

“While the donations of food and supplies are important, they are only half the equation – the volunteers are key to ensure the food and supplies are packaged and ready for those who need them.”

Major Donette Percy, Corps Officer at Whitby Community Church, says it is the faithfulness of volunteers that turns a city into a community of like-minded people looking to build a better place to live.

“Our volunteers help us reach the day-to-day goals of meeting people and providing hope to them. We are a team working together to achieve a common goal. We have connected well with others, making new friends in community and helping others,” Major Donette says.

While Marilyn has volunteered with many different organizations in a range of roles, she is grateful at being able to give back to the Whitby community while maintaining her family’s connection to the Salvation Army.

“We look forward to our volunteer shifts and the sermons on Sunday – building upon all those memories from years ago,” Marilyn says.