Hungry People Find Healthy Food at The Salvation Army

Fifty-five-year-old Paul Kailek can’t afford one of life’s basic necessities—food. He is not homeless, but lives on a fixed income for the severely disabled. Several years ago, Paul was struck down by a large delivery truck while crossing an intersection in Edmonton’s downtown core. In the blink of an eye, all that was good in his life drifted away like an ocean wave.

An Inuit, originally from Yellowknife, Paul settled in Edmonton in the late 70s and worked many years as a surveyor and crane operator. He enjoyed a comfortable life until, in 2002, he suffered multiple extensive injuries when a truck driver didn’t see him crossing the road and knocked him to the ground. As a result, he endured several surgeries, is facing more, and relies on a rolling walker to ease his knee and hip pain.

Paul receives financial and health-related assistance from Alberta’s Assured Income for the Severely Handicapped. But, after bills are paid, he has little money left for nourishment. “I have about $100 a month to live on,” says Paul. “I rely on community feeding programs like The Salvation Army for food—healthy food.”

Every Friday morning, from 7:30 to 8:30 a.m., Paul and more than 100 inner-city residents’ line up for a free of charge, buffet style, breakfast at The Salvation Army’s Edmonton Community & Family Services. The dining area, formerly used as a Salvation Army warehouse for food and hamper storage, is a place where heavy pain, fear and panic is replaced with community, acceptance, love and understanding.

“The breakfast program serves anyone who is hungry,” says Executive Director David Dickinson. “This includes low-income families, people living in crisis and the homeless. For some, this is the only meal they get that day.”

After chatting with friends, Paul gobbles down his bacon, eggs and toast. A smile flashes over his face like sunshine on a flower. “I feel energized and ready to face my day,” he says in his soft, gentle voice.

“See you next week,” he calls out to Dave as he wheels his red walker out the door. Then he pauses for a moment. “I never thought life would be like this. I need The Salvation Army.”

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