Not Your Average Temple

By: June Li

In times of need, you can count on The Salvation Army’s Etobicoke Temple for help. When heavy rainfall hit Toronto in 2013 and devastated the city with floods, they provided residents with clothing and other basic necessities such as food and hydration. In that same year, Toronto experienced an ice storm that left thousands of people without power in the middle of winter. Being one of the only buildings in the neighbourhood with power, Etobicoke Temple opened its doors to provide those affected with a safe and warm place of solace.

Throughout the years, the Etobicoke Temple has risen to the occasion to provide assistance in times of crisis. “Food insecurity is the most pressing community need,” says Major Kester Trim, Corps Officer. Through their food bank, they are able to assist between 150 and 300 families from all walks of life every month. “People are refugees, newcomers. Some people just want to talk. Others have a relationship with our Salvation Army store,” said Rosemarie Bryan, the Temple Family Services’ Coordinator.

For over 45 years, Etobicoke Temple has been an important part of the community. Every day of the week, you can find the temple full of joy, laughter and conversations of hope and help. From their Young ‘N Heart program that invites seniors aged 60 to 85 for a hot lunch to their Jumping Jelly Beans program that provides a place for craft time and free play for toddlers, there’s a program for individuals of all ages. “The building is alive, and we love it!” Major Kester Trim said.

For more information about Etobicoke Temple and the program and services they offer, visit their website here.