When you’re an organization the size of The Salvation Army, with a mission of helping anyone in need, volunteers are going to be critical to your success.
Sunday marked the start of National Volunteer Week here in Canada, running April 15-21. During this week organization from coast-to-coast are taking a moment to thank those members of the community that give up their spare time to pitch in. Canadian estimates suggest that over 12 million people volunteer each year in our country.
Here at the Salvation Army, in 2011, 202,000 volunteers donated more than 1.4 million man-hours to The Salvation Army, helping us make a difference among the marginalized in our communities. Last year alone, The Salvation Army helped more than 1.7 million people in Canada.
And Maritimers continue to do their part. Spread among 27 locations in the provinces of Nova Scotia, New Brunswick and Prince Edward Island, those struggling in our community know that they can count on The Salvation Army, thanks in large part to countless volunteers.
“We have so many wonderful volunteers who make a difference in our communities across the Maritime Division,” says Major Doug Hefford, Divisional Commander.” They give their time generously and we benefit from their commitment in making many of our programs and activities possible. On behalf of others I say God bless our volunteers. We appreciate the difference they are making.”
What does volunteering for The Salvation Army look like? There are many varied roles that are filled by volunteers. Just a few examples are:
- answer telephones, general office work
- enter data in computer
- assist in packing food hampers
- stocking shelves, sort toys
- sort clothes and price items at a thrift store
- ring the bells at Christmas (Christmas Kettles)
- assist with mailing projects and other seasonal activities at the local level
- assist seniors; be involved in sports activities etc.
- emergency disaster relief
- help out at events, like our annual Santa Shuffle
If you may be interested in volunteering for The Salvation Army, CLICK HERE to visit the volunteering page on our national website. There you can read an FAQ on volunteering with the Army and fill out a contact form if you are interested in being contacted in the future.