Military, first responders thanked

by jmifsud
Categories: Uncategorized
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    WINNIPEG, MB – On Friday, June 12, staff and volunteers from The Salvation Army in Winnipeg continued a nearly century old tradition of serving doughnuts to those who keep us safe and free from harm.

    In 1917, during World War I, Ensigns Helen Purviance and Margaret Sheldon were among the 250 Salvation Army volunteers providing assistance in France.  The duo were on the front lines working with the American First Division when they had the idea to use their limited resources to fry up doughnuts for the young soldiers.

    The dough was hand shaped and fried, seven at a time, in a small pan.  Ensign Purviance stoked the wood fire while kneeling.  "I was literally on my knees," she recalled, "when those first doughnuts were fried.  There was also a prayer in my heart that somehow this home touch would do more for those who ate the doughnuts than satisfy a physical hunger."

    The same prayer was with the modern day doughnut providers as they spent the morning delivering doughnuts to the RCAF 17th Wing.  A group of volunteers brought boxes of doughnuts and their heartfelt thanks for the sacrifices that the personnel there have made in order to protect and serve Canadians and people of all nationalities the world over.

    Other recipients of the fried confectionery tokens of appreciation were the Winnipeg Police Service, Winnipeg Fire Paramedic Service and the public at large.

    On behalf of The Salvation Army, we thank the military and first responders for all they give that benefits all of us.

    Featured image: Volunteers Mandy and Cam Marsland help grandson Spencer (3) serve doughnuts to 17th Wing Administration Branch.

    Doughnuts - Then and Now