Student Volunteers Make a Difference with The Salvation Army

Each National Volunteer Week, we celebrate the dedication of Salvation Army volunteers who make the organization’s services possible. This year, we’re shining a spotlight on student volunteers, young people whose efforts not only make an impact in their communities but also help them build confidence, skills and real-world experience.

Kimmy Zambrano, from Calgary, is a university student studying to earn a degree in social work. Since September, she has worked with The Salvation Army’s outreach department as part of her practicum placement.

For Kimmy, volunteering with the Army has been a perfect fit.

“Engaging with vulnerable populations is my passion and the reason I chose this degree. I also love how The Salvation Army incorporates a spiritual aspect, which aligns with my values. Those two points drew me to the organization,” Kimmy shares.

Kimmy has taken part in street outreach, staffed mobile warming stations and observed ESL and children’s programs run by The Salvation Army. This range of responsibilities has allowed her to connect with a variety of clients, many of whom have shared success stories.

While the school has provided the theory, Kimmy believes volunteering is essential for applying her skills to real-life situations. For her, this is just the beginning.

“I think everyone should seek out opportunities to volunteer.”

“Doing my practicum with The Salvation Army didn’t even feel like work. I love being there and spending time with the outreach workers and clients,” she says. “I would love to continue the work I’m doing. I think everyone should seek out opportunities to volunteer.”

High school students also have opportunities to give back. As part of a co-op placement program that provides a course credit, Owen Norrad-Carr, a Grade 11 student from Fredericton, has been volunteering at a Salvation Army thrift store this semester. This is Owen’s first volunteer experience and, while he felt nervous at first, that quickly changed thanks to supportive staff.

“They’ve taught me how to be social, how to talk to people and how to do tasks effectively.”

“My co-workers are the best people I’ve ever met. They made me feel at home,” Owen shares.

Volunteering has helped Owen work through his social anxiety. Engaging with customers and coworkers at the thrift store has made him more comfortable in social situations. While he’s still unsure about his future after high school, Owen is confident that this experience will serve him well.

“They’ve taught me how to be social, how to talk to people and how to do tasks effectively,” he adds.

Last year, Salvation Army volunteers contributed 826,000 hours to support services across the country.

If you’re interested in volunteering, please visit: https://salvationarmy.ca/get-involved/volunteer

By Juan Romero