From the Frontlines of WWI to the Frontlines of Today – The Salvation Army Celebrating National Doughnut Day

On June 3, The Salvation Army brought a sweet treat to essential service providers and frontline workers in communities across Ontario.

In 1917, the ‘Doughnut Lassies’ first brought morale-boosting doughnuts to soldiers on the front lines during World War I. Doughnuts were even cooked in the helmets of American soldiers.

In this tradition, The Salvation Army continues to serve on the front lines in supporting the most vulnerable in Canada. The doughnut now serves as a symbol of all the social services The Salvation Army provides through warm meals, shelter, addictions support, emergency disaster response and life skills development.

“On this National Doughnut Day, we would like to offer a sincere thank you to frontline workers in Ontario who go above and beyond every single day,” said Glenn van Gulik, Divisional Secretary for Public Relations in The Salvation Army Ontario Division

“We are deeply grateful for the generous support that also allows The Salvation Army to bring hope to individuals in communities across Ontario.”

National Doughnut Day started in 1938 as a fundraiser for The Salvation Army to honour the “Doughnut Lassies” of World War I. In addition to the doughnuts, soldiers were also provided with writing supplies, stamps and clothes-mending services.

Thank you to Mavericks Donuts in Ottawa, Nova Era Bakery in London, and Tim Hortons locations at 1600 Langstaff Road and 1470 Center St. in Vaughan, for their generous support of National Doughnut Day.