Saskatoon Honours Hundreds of Volunteers
The Salvation Army Volunteer Appreciation Luncheon, held April 27 in Saskatoon, saw more than 200 volunteers and special guests gather for a light lunch and fellowship.
The annual event allows us to say a loud and appreciative “thank you” to the individuals and groups who give time, energy and compassion, and help The Salvation Army in Saskatoon bring hope and support to vulnerable people today and every day.
Each year, Salvation Army officers and staff nominate volunteers for three awards. This year’s honourees are:
Ray Sider, who received the Bell Ringer Award for his willingness to volunteer for a Christmas kettle shift every day through November and December, and during our special Week of Compassion for Haiti.
The Junior Bell Ringer Award was given to Susan Schacter & her violin players, a group of young musicians whose music helped attract the attention of passersby during the hectic Christmas season.
Ivor and Orca Thokle, a generous husband and wife team whose year-round contributions are too numerous to list, were named Volunteers of the Year.
Church groups, employee groups and individuals benefit from the joy of helping others through The Salvation Army Volunteer Program in Saskatoon. Opportunities for volunteering include:
• Assisting in the shelter kitchen, which serves over 70,000 meals per year
• Visiting with clients at the drop-in coffee house
• Sorting clothing and assisting clients in the Clothing Cave
• Knitting or sewing clothing, blankets, or other much-needed items
• Assisting with life skills programs and training, such as computer classes or teaching clients how to cook simple, nutritious meals
• Helping during Christmas events, such as ringing bells at the kettles, handing out Christmas hampers, and wrapping toys
• Volunteering for special events or emergency fundraising, such as our Week of Compassion for Haiti
If you have a skill to share or a passion to help, we can find an opportunity for you. Please Sylvia Stevenson at the Saskatoon Salvation Army Community Centre, 306-242-6833.