A week at summer camp for youth from economically disadvantaged backgrounds can help them leave the challenges of poverty behind, escape the routines of daily life, improve socialization and interpersonal skills, and grow in confidence. But what happens after they have just experienced the best week of their summer? “We must change our thinking about  […]

The lives of 776 children nationwide will be forever impacted this summer by the generosity of local communities who supported The Salvation Army Thrift Store’s 2017 Send a Kid to Camp campaign. Taking place over six weeks in 109 Thrift Store locations, the campaign raised  $170,862, a new record from generous donors. With a national  […]

Healthy, hearty meals, Bible lessons, canoeing, tight ropes and campfires. That’s what close to 4,000 children will experience at Salvation Army camps this year. Captain Rick Zelinsky, Executive Director for Ontario Camping Ministries, used to attend Salvation Army camp as a child. He says if kids are looking for a fun, well-rounded summer camp experience,  […]

Inspired by a class discussion and project about privilege versus hardship, 12-year-old Santhosh, and his classmates Kostas and Navid, collected more than 70 bags of clothes that were donated to The Salvation Army Thrift Store in Newmarket, Ont., to help people experiencing homelessness. “I did my research,” says Santhosh, “and knew that when we donated  […]

When The Salvation Army in Wetaskiwin, Alta.., learned that some elementary school students didn’t have enough food to get through the weekend, they developed a program that not only improves academic performance but gives struggling families one less thing to worry about. “It surprised me to learn how many kids go to school hungry,” says  […]

It’s March break and, for the third year in a row, The Salvation Army in Goderich has turned their kitchen into a classroom for children. “All I did was burn the eggs and now I’m at cooking camp,” says Mason, with a grin. “Mom thinks I need lessons.” The March break camp, a partnership between  […]

Jamie-Lynn started attending an after-school program at The Salvation Army in Kingston, Ont., when she was seven-years-old. Today, the 14-year-old volunteers at the same place where she learned how to read and write. “After I learned how to read, write and do math, I passed school with flying colours,” says Jamie-Lynn. “I love it here.”  […]

For 28 years Salvation Army volunteer Dennis Miner has given hope and help to people experiencing homelessness and poverty in Parry Sound’s downtown core. “I don’t do it out of duty,” says the 75-year-old. “I do it out of love.” On January 8, 2017, the Mayor of Parry Sound, Jamie McGarvey, presented Miner with the  […]

There will be a lot of happy children on the first day of school thanks to The Salvation Army in Huron County’s backpack program. The Salvation Army in Huron County, Ontario, which includes Goderich, Clinton and Wingham, is well underway in its backpack program that will benefit more than 300 low-income children and families as  […]

At The Salvation Army’s day camp in Oshawa, there is nothing like a good soak on a hot summer’s day. “Water day is my favourite day at camp,” says Isabella, 5. “We scream, splash and get wet. It’s a lot of fun.” Every week, for seven consecutive weeks in the summer, 35 kids from the  […]