A Heartwarming Tale of Gratitude and Giving Back in Hamilton

For Cynthia Musharu, Colletah Chihwayi, and Lilian Mwadanni, giving back and volunteering their time during The Salvation Army Christmas Kettle Campaign was a moment of gratitude, as they know first-hand the significance that donations have on those seeking support from The Salvation Army.

Relocating to Canada from Zimbabwe in the summer of 2023 was a dream come true, but the life changing move also posed some challenges for them while getting settled in a new country.

The Salvation Army played a critical role in helping them access nutritious food, clothing and essential household items to make the transition easier.

“The Salvation Army has really made us feel at home,” says Colletah. “It would have been very tough without the assistance we’ve been given because we would have been sleeping on the floor.”

It wasn’t long after when the three women wanted to give back and provide hope to others who rely on the services and programs offered by The Salvation Army. That’s when they decided to spend two hours a day as Christmas Kettle mission partners volunteering their time to help The Salvation Army Hamilton Community and Family Services with their kettle campaign.

“We have been helped by The Salvation Army and when people put their donation in the kettle, we know this money is going to good use because The Salvation Army truly helps people,” Colletah says.

“Coming from Africa and getting all this help, the only thing we can do right now is give back in any way possible. The idea of volunteering on the kettles came up and we wanted to say, ‘thank you’ for all the help we received.”

Hamilton Community and Family Services Community Relations Coordinator Cindy Taylor calls the experience of meeting the three women a true blessing in her life.

“They are the happiest Christmas Kettle bell ringers you would ever want to meet,” Cindy says. “I am thankful for the connection we have made. I now have a lifelong friendship with them. They are beautiful people morally and ethically. I am thankful that The Salvation Army was there to help them and provide them with hope as they begin a new life in Canada,” Cindy says.

Cynthia and Colletah aspire to work in home care as Personal Support Workers in Ontario and their goals are to bring their daughters to Canada to provide them with better opportunities.

Your donation to The Salvation Army directly assists people like Cynthia, Lilian and Colletah to create a safe, productive and secure life in Canada. Contribute today at www.salvationarmy.ca or calling 1-800-SAL-ARMY.