The Salvation Army in Canada Celebrates 130 Years of Service.
The Salvation Army began its work in Canadain 1882, and as the organization celebrates its 130th anniversary this June, there have been numerous past accomplishments to celebrate, but there is also much to look forward to in the future!
In adopting Founder William Booth’s philosophy to meet the physical, emotional and spiritual needs of all people, the concept of ‘soup, soap and salvation’ took hold – later to be developed into the comprehensive social service network The Salvation Army operates today.
“Since opening our doors in Canada in 1882, The Salvation Army has served millions of people – providing food, shelter and assistance to the many marginalized individuals that have come to us in their hour of need,” said Commissioner Brian Peddle, Territorial Commander for The Salvation Army in Canada and Bermuda. “It is our faith that motivates our mission, and The Salvation Army has been and will continue to be there for the people of Canada.”
The Salvation Army today has evolved to accommodate the changing times. While the same values and goals still exist, The Salvation Army has been introducing innovative new programs and services in recent years to provide hope and dignity for people in greatest need.
A few examples of the many programs provided include:
- Sally’s Community Kitchen in Sussex, N.B. which teaches single moms and those with low incomes how to better live within their budgets and provide healthy meals for their families.
- The New Hope Community Centre in Newfoundland offers a 12-week retail skills employment training program boosting participant’s self-esteem and giving them confidence to succeed in the workplace.
- A “riding course” offered by The Salvation Army in Hamilton teaches people with developmental and cognitive disabilities how to use the bus promoting independence and restoring dignity.
- In Winnipeg, The Salvation Army offers a new driver-training program for immigrants from war-affected African countries to make their lives easier, especially with a language barrier.
- Fireside Addiction Services is a new Salvation Army clinic in Chilliwack, B.C. that provides an intensive six-week program with group and individual therapy.
For 130 years now, The Salvation Army has been providing support to the people ofCanadaand we have grown to become the largest non-governmental direct provider of social services in the country,” said Commissioner Peddle. “Though many years have gone by since 1882, The Salvation Army’s mission remains the same, to meet the needs of vulnerable individuals across Canada and continue to provide hope and dignity to all.”