Salvation Army Eases the Burden of Poverty This Christmas

Patricia finds hope at Salvation Army moms program
by SalvationArmy.ca
Categories: Articles, Feature, Mobile, Newswire
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Patricia grew up in a well-to-do family and was always a giver, particularly during the Christmas season. But this year, due to unexpected financial setbacks, she is one of more than 600 families seeking help from The Salvation Army in Cornerbrook, N.L.

“When my six-year-old son looked in the pantry for something for breakfast and said ‘mommy, we don’t have a lot’, I felt I’d been punched in the stomach,” says Patricia. “That day I swallowed my pride and contacted The Salvation Army’s food bank.”

Patricia’s Story

A few years ago, Patricia worked full-time providing autism therapy at a family resource centre in Cornerbrook, N.L. Then, when her son couldn’t digest the food he ate, she took on part-time work at a fast-food restaurant so she could be at home to meet his needs.

“When it comes to your child, you walk on any limb you have to,” says Patricia.

Due to the severity of her son’s lung condition, Patricia travels regularly, a seven-hour drive, to a children’s health and rehabilitation centre in St. John’s. Gas money, meals and $50 a night to stay at the hospital means this single mom can’t give her son the Christmas she had hoped to.

Extra Help Means We’ll Be OK

“Extra help from The Salvation Army this Christmas means we’ll be OK,” says Patricia. “A food voucher will ensure that we can enjoy a turkey dinner and toys under the tree will be a nice surprise for my son. The Salvation Army is going out of their way to give us good Christmas memories.”

It is easy for those who are able to afford all that comes with the Christmas season to forget the one in 10 Canadians who live in poverty. Many are working families, such as Patricia, who simply can’t make ends meet.

“Due to lack of employment, difficult family situations and medical issues, people are stretched financially,” says Jane Ash, Community Ministries Worker at The Salvation Army in Cornerbrook. “Many families wait until the last few days prior to Christmas before they ask for help with the hope they can manage.”

To provide meaningful help and hope to families in need this Christmas, click here. This includes providing food, clothing and toys to enable them to experience the joy of the Christmas Season.

Photo: Patricia makes jewelry at The Salvation Army’s Fresh program for moms, an eight-week course to inspire and empower vulnerable women.