By keeping a pot of coffee brewing, The Salvation Army Thrift Store in Toronto’s Parkdale neighbourhood is changing lives. “Coffee connects people,” says Kyle Brennan, Thrift Store Manager. “All of us need others for support and to feel valued.” For … Read more
Paul never thought he’d be a single parent, but five years ago he was thrust into his new role. “It’s still tough,” he says. “I take one day at a time. What matters most is that I’m a capable dad … Read more
Baby Stuart couldn’t imitate sounds, or even smile. While his mom, Susan, knew something was wrong, she had no idea that life would be very different than she’d ever expected. “At first Stuart had no facial reactions,” says Susan. “Then … Read more
Deborah suffers from post-traumatic stress disorder and struggles with anxiety, low self-esteem and depression. Her anxiety is so high that she finds it difficult to leave her house, even to get groceries. But each week, Deborah makes the trip to … Read more
“Income-tax time creates incredible stress for me,” says Rosemary. The cost of having income taxes prepared by tax firms starts at $60. For Rosemary, whose been laid off from her factory job, that’s a big deal. Due to circumstances beyond … Read more
Tonight thousands of homeless Canadians will sleep on street grates or in doorways. It’s a social tragedy. In the killer cold their coats act as blankets, protective barriers, and shelter. They are humiliated by empty stares and the condition of … Read more
“My dad beat my mom until she was a rag doll,” says 49-year-old Billy. “At times I thought he would kill her. That’s only one of my childhood memories.” Billy’s dad was drunk all the time. And his heavy drinking … Read more
Imagine being so hungry that you are willing to eat someone else’s garbage? Yes, it’s dangerous, and most of us would cringe at the thought, but there are people in cities everywhere who are forced to eat food from trashcans … Read more
Twelve-year-old Julia volunteered at Christmas alongside her mom. She wanted to remind hurting people that someone cared. That day lives changed, including her own. Little Red Gloves The Salvation Army building in Regent Park scared me the first time I … Read more
