Giving Time, Creating Hope: Three Volunteers Share Why They Show Up
Every year, National Volunteer Week offers an opportunity to highlight the members in our community who dedicate their time and energy to help those less fortunate. The Salvation Army’s volunteer hours continue to rise, while overall volunteer hours decrease in Canada.
For the last few years, unprecedented challenges such as inflation and labour shortages have impacted volunteering and charitable giving. As the nation continues to deal with these challenges, The Salvation Army has been blessed to see that volunteering has increased from 508,000 hours in 2021 to more than 819,000 hours in 2025, and volunteer applications have also doubled over that time.
“At The Salvation Army, volunteers are at the heart of everything we do—supporting thousands of visits each year for food, clothing, and practical assistance,” said Captain Tinisha Reid, Corps Officer of Edmonton Temple. “Their time, skills and compassion help ensure Edmontonians receive the support they need, when they need it most.”
Edmonton Temple food pantry
The Salvation Army’s Edmonton Temple food pantry is one of many services run by volunteers. Every Friday, they give their time from 10 a.m. to noon to help those in need of food assistance. They sort through food from The Salvation Army’s Edmonton Community Resource Centre, stock shelves, and provide guidance to those in need.
“It’s totally amazing when the people who are food insecure come through, and they are so thankful,” explains Marilyn, a volunteer at The Salvation Army’s Edmonton Temple. “And to be able to learn their names and get to know them week by week, it’s just amazing. Such a blessing.”
The youth dedicating their time to help the community
For some younger volunteers, witnessing older generations find fulfillment in helping others has inspired them to be more selfless with their own time and make a positive impact in the community.
“My dad was doing it and then I started to do it, and it felt very good,” Abigail said while working a shift at Edmonton Temple’s food pantry. “I could see the impact I was making in the community. People come and sometimes share their stories, and it’s just really nice to see how we are helping.”
Xavier, another young volunteer, saw lines of people outside a Salvation Army location every Friday on his way to school. He asked his nana why they were lined up and she explained that some people in the community are less financially fortunate. Years later, he joined a leadership program and thought of The Salvation Army when it was time to complete his mandatory volunteer hours.
“My nana went and set up an appointment and that’s how I became a volunteer. I’m long past that class. That was two years ago and I’m still doing it because it’s fun and I like it,” he said with an enthusiastic two thumbs up.
The Salvation Army’s work would not be possible without the volunteers. From the food pantry, community outreach and family services, volunteers are at the heart of nearly every program. Their time and dedication are essential to the Army’s continued strength.
Related articles: Volunteers Who Make a Difference Behind the Scenes
