Trista Reid wants to end homelessness―a big aspiration for a girl who is just shy of her 16th birthday. Instead of birthday gifts, Trista asked friends and family to donate backpacks and school supplies to help vulnerable children in London, Ont., begin the school year with the tools they need to succeed. “I’ve always had  […]

The Salvation Army thrift store (national recycling operations or NRO) is making a tangible social and environmental impact within the communities in which they operate. With 106 thrift stores and donor welcome centres, 10 distribution and recycling centres helmed by the national recycling operations, the organization is making a difference every day for community members  […]

Often, the most visible Salvation Army emergency disaster services (EDS) are the meals and drinks served to survivors and first responders. What some people may not know is that The Salvation Army is often called on to provide spiritual comfort and emotional support. “As trained emotional and spiritual care (ESC) workers, we attend to the  […]

On December 15, 2018, at the request of the City of Toronto, The Salvation Army opened a new shelter for seniors in the North Etobicoke region of Toronto. “With roughly 20 to 22 percent of people who access emergency shelters being 55 years of age or older, the City of Toronto saw a need for  […]

On the surface, Salvation Army camps are a place for children to learn new things such as archery, canoeing and high ropes. However, a closer look shows children becoming self-sufficient and confident, learning teamwork and developing leadership skills. Micaela’s first summer camp experience was at age six. “I was afraid and very shy when I  […]

Grief is a family affair and sometimes children don’t have the opportunity to express their feelings, thoughts and questions. At The Salvation Army’s Agapé Hospice in Calgary, an on-site children’s grief support program, Elephant Club, helps children up to age 13 feel safe, welcomed and less isolated. “Elephant Club is a unique program in the  […]

Michele is one of more than 130,000 volunteers who give the priceless gift of time and skills to help The Salvation Army reach more people in need. “I’m a retired corporate buyer,” says Michele. “Volunteering gives me a lot of satisfaction and I always go home feeling like I’m walking on air.” Michele attends a  […]

Many cities in Canada are experiencing extreme heat and according to Health Canada, the number of annual days with scorching hot temperatures is expected to double within the next 30 years. “Keeping cool and hydrated during extreme heat is vital,” says Debbie Clarke, who is the director of The Salvation Army’s Emergency Disaster Services in  […]

When Tracy arrived in Vernon, B.C., she couldn’t see past her pain and just wanted it to stop. In her mind, suicide seemed to be the only way out. Overwhelmed by hopelessness, she needed people who cared about her. Little did she know that would be The Salvation Army. In 2015, Tracy left her marriage.  […]