While living in Uganda, Florence dreamed of a brighter future for herself and her three children. Though her journey was difficult, arriving in Toronto in 2022 brought new opportunities and a transformative connection with The Salvation Army.<\/p>\n
As a refugee seeking more opportunities in Canada, and with her husband still in Uganda, Florence faced numerous challenges. Raising her children alone, she struggled with food security as her son has food allergies and requires a specific diet. When she first settled in Toronto and lived in an emergency shelter, Florence was deeply concerned about her son\u2019s health and meeting her family\u2019s nutritional needs.<\/p>\n
\u201cI was going through a lot because my children couldn\u2019t eat some foods. I didn\u2019t have the money to help them,\u201d Florence recalls. \u201cI didn\u2019t know what was wrong with my son; he was getting sick, and sometimes he couldn\u2019t breathe properly.\u201d<\/p>\n
A Community That Cares<\/strong><\/p>\n While staying in the emergency shelter, Florence met a kind-hearted neighbour who, knowing of her struggles, introduced her to The Salvation Army Yorkminster Citadel\u2019s food bank in north Toronto where she met Liz Colley, the community and family services manager. Florence found the sanctuary she desperately needed, discovering an inclusive Salvation Army community dedicated to helping struggling individuals regardless of their background.<\/p>\n \u201cWithout the help of Liz and The Salvation Army, I don\u2019t know how I would have survived because things are very expensive. With their help, they have given me hope,\u201d Florence says.<\/p><\/blockquote>\n When Florence moved into her apartment, The Salvation Army helped make her house a home, providing sheets, beds, blankets, warm winter clothing, dishes, cutlery, and other household items. Nearly everything in her apartment came from The Salvation Army, and Liz’s emotional support helped Florence bring stability and confidence into her life.<\/p>\n