Salvation Army Mission Partner Honoured for his Years of Dedication to his Community

Volunteering to help people in need comes naturally to Brian Gill.

He drives a school bus for a living, but dedicates his spare time to improving the lives of others through his volunteer work with The Salvation Army in Fenelon Falls as well as with the Boy Scouts.

“Everything I have done has already been done by someone before me so in my eyes I am only walking in someone else’s footsteps. I usually prefer to judge my impact by the smiles I can pass along to others,” he says.

Brian gives regularly for the benefit of those he helps, not for the personal attention or accolades. But attention has started coming his way in recognition for the many hours spent in service to others in the community. He was recently awarded with the Queen Elizabeth II’s Platinum Jubilee Medal as a thank you for his years of selfless volunteering and contributions in the community.

“It certainly warms your heart when you realize how the little things one can do will have such an impact on those around us. And secondly, I was recognized for the volunteer work I enjoy doing,” he says. “It’s just the greatest feeling you can have when you realize that you’re helping someone.”

Through The Salvation Army Fenelon Falls, Brian participated in training in Modern Slavery and Human Trafficking Response, Emotional and Spiritual Care, Ministry of Presence and Community Care Ministries. Last December he made the trip to Fort Erie to support The Salvation Army Emergency Disaster Services response following a snowstorm that caused a widespread power outage.

During the disaster response, he braved the streets to bring warm beverages and snacks to utility workers, emergency services personnel and crews clearing fallen trees. This past Christmas he did three 10-hour kettle shifts in the Fenelon Falls area and has also led Bible study at The Salvation Army Fenelon Falls, where he is a senior soldier.

“In all honesty, I don’t feel that I do anything out of the ordinary. I have always considered helping others my calling in life.”

Thank you, Brian, for your years of support and dedication in bringing hope to your community. Become a volunteer with The Salvation Army today. More information can be found at www.salvationarmy.ca/volunteer.