Volunteers Bring Passion, Action and Impact
Volunteers like 20-year-old Kayla are critical to the success of Salvation Army services.
National volunteer week, April 15-21, pays tribute to the millions of Canadian volunteers who donate their time and energy. In 2011, 202,000 volunteers from all walks of life gave more than 1.4 million man hours to The Salvation Army, helping people at their greatest point of need.
Kayla says volunteering with The Salvation Army was a life-changing experience for her.
“For me, growing up in the suburbs of Ottawa was not a difficult life. We had dinner on the table every night, and enough food for breakfast and lunch every day without a single doubt or second thought that it would ever change.
“After recently volunteering with The Salvation Army’s Family Services in Midland, Ontario, my eyes were opened. From organizing, sorting and packing food at the food bank to client interviews to working on the street outreach team I saw first-hand how life can get tough. There are so many situations that affect different types of people each and every day, and it’s sometimes very difficult to bounce back.
“These people need assistance from organizations like The Salvation Army. As a volunteer I did my best to make those in need feel at ease and accepted because it is not always easy for people to ask for help.”
For Kayla, volunteering for a not-for-profit organization that works with vulnerable and marginalized groups helped her narrow down her post-secondary options, allowed her to build new friendships and helped her develop personal, professional and social skills that will shape her development as an active citizen. Kayla is now moving forward to study psychology and social work.
“As a volunteer, The Salvation Army went out of their way to make me feel like I belong,” says Kayla. “They trust their volunteers with very important tasks that need to be completed properly and with care.
“I can honestly say that working with The Salvation Army has changed my life in more ways than I could ever imagine. It has opened my eyes to what really happens in the world, and to how lessons are sometimes learned the hard way. It’s places like this that help the people who are losing hope and who are struggling every day to get through bumps in the road in order to see the light at the end of this long journey through life.”
How Can I Volunteer?
Last year, more than 1.7 million people were helped by The Salvation Army…that’s one every 20 seconds!
To be effective in today’s society, The Salvation Army needs volunteers as never before.
Anyone can volunteer. For a list of the kind of opportunities available, and a chance to make a difference, click here.
