With two daughters in high school and one son in elementary, the costs add up quickly as September approaches.

“The Salvation Army made the experience feel positive and dignified.”

“The return to classes comes with lots of expenses when you consider backpacks, supplies, water bottles, shoes, haircuts and all the other things children need,” she shares.

To relieve this financial strain, Oluwatoyin signed up for The Salvation Army’s Back-to-School Program in Kamloops, B.C. Since 2024, she has received practical support to help her family prepare for class that includes backpacks with supplies, water bottles and financial assistance for school shoes.

“The support has been wonderful. All three of my kids have benefited from the program,” she says. “What I appreciate most is that the support goes beyond simply giving a child a backpack.”

As a parent, the program helped Oluwatoyin focus on other necessities for her family.

“It made a significant difference,” she adds. “The assistance from The Salvation Army helped reduce that financial pressure and allowed me to redirect some of the money I would have spent on those items toward other important household and family needs.”

“It can make them feel included, valued and ready to learn.”

Aside from appreciating the practical aspect, she also believes the program has had a positive emotional impact on her children.

“Sometimes something as simple as a new backpack or a pair of shoes may seem small to an adult, but to a child it can mean so much,” Oluwatoyin shares. “It can make them feel included, valued and ready to learn.”

As a mother, having this support available brings her peace of mind.

“It gave me some relief because I did not have to carry the full financial burden of preparing three children for school by myself,” she says.

In addition, Oluwatoyin has been grateful for how welcoming and helpful The Salvation Army’s staff have been over the past few years.

“Asking for help can sometimes be difficult for families because of embarrassment or uncertainty. The Salvation Army made the experience feel positive and dignified.”

Reflecting on all the good things that have come thanks to the Back-to-School Program, Oluwatoyin says she is thankful to be able to send her children to classes fully prepared and ready to learn.

“I would simply like to say thank you to The Salvation Army, its staff, volunteers, donors and everyone who contributes to making this program possible,” she concludes.

By Juan Romero

The post Back-to-School Program Makes a Difference appeared first on The Salvation Army.

A hands-on experience

Cooking Camp is a four-day program for children aged nine to 12. Participants enjoy hands-on cooking activities that build confidence in the kitchen, learn new recipes and make new friends.

According to Shannon Skafte, community and family services worker, the idea for the initiative came from conversations with clients at the food bank.

“On a few occasions while talking to clients, I would suggest certain items on our shelves. But sometimes if they didn’t know how to cook it, they wouldn’t take it,” Shannon shares.

Many families who come to the food bank are busy balancing schedules while trying to provide. Shannon realized many parents don’t have the time or opportunity to teach basic cooking skills. This inspired the creation of a program that helps children become more comfortable in the kitchen.

Learning practical meals

This is the camp’s second year. In 2025, participants learned simple recipes and lessons such as cooking eggs, making pizza and safely handling kitchen tools.

This year, children will learn to prepare complete meals using affordable and accessible ingredients.

“We will cook things the children can actually make at home,” Shannon adds.

Fun along the way

While this camp focuses on learning practical skills, it also incorporates fun activities. Participants take part in food-themed games such as bingo and charades. They also create their own recipe book to take home, giving them a resource they can use long after the camp ends.

Victoria Fraser, a summer intern, will lead Cooking Camp this year. One of her main priorities is to ensure that participants understand the importance of safety above all else.

“Many of the kids might be home alone when they put their cooking skills to the test. So it is important for us to start with kitchen safety lessons,” Victoria says.

Although this will be her second year running the program, this is Victoria’s first time leading it. She is excited for the opportunity to teach.

“I think it’s great for participants to learn and realize that they can cook and handle kitchen tools. It grows their confidence,” she adds.

Making a difference at home

The impact of the program has already been seen through feedback from parents who enrolled their children last year.

“One mom told us that before joining the camp, her daughter was a very picky eater. But since we try a bite of everything here, she is now eating better at home and even helping her mother to cook,” Shannon says.

This summer camp is free and prioritizes registration for families using The Salvation Army’s food bank.

Looking ahead, Shannon would like to expand this program to include cooking opportunities for adults as well.

By Juan Romero 

The post Salvation Army Summer Camp Teaches Children How to Cook appeared first on The Salvation Army.

Some of these individuals are experiencing homelessness while others may have stable housing but are facing loneliness or isolation. Regardless of their circumstances, they sit together to eat and connect.

This all happens at Chatham-Kent’s free weekly community meal, which is hosted each Tuesday from noon to 1 p.m. and serves 35 to 50 people.

While this initiative had been in place for years, it wasn’t until 2026 that it became a sit-down meal program. When newly appointed Captains Lana and Lieutenant Jamie Anstey arrived, they thought that, instead of providing takeout meals, this could be a good opportunity to bring neighbours together.

“We noticed many people in the community, and that we were assisting at the food bank, were feeling isolated,” Captain Lana shares. “So we felt inspired to give them a healthy environment where they could come to interact.”

The meal also serves as a support to those struggling financially. Captain Lana says that in the past year, the number of people accessing food assistance at The Salvation Army has increased. Rising costs have made it difficult for older adults on fixed incomes and newcomer families in the region to stay afloat.

The community meal helps those struggling by providing them with nutritious food and a welcoming environment. It is attended by families with children, couples and singles, and range in age from young children to seniors.

For Captain Lana, one of the things she values the most about the program is seeing people who might not otherwise interact sitting at the same table.

“When guests come in, they all sit together as equals,” she says. “Everyone who attends is treated fairly, and we do our best to make them feel like they are in a safe place.”

Another positive aspect of this weekly meal is the inclusion of members of Community Living, an organization that supports people with diverse abilities. They volunteer alongside their support staff, and they assist in cooking, setting up, serving lunch to guests and cleaning up.

“Our volunteers from Community Living feel so proud of giving back. It makes them feel good about themselves, and it’s nice to see them enjoying the experience,” Captain Lana adds.

The fact that everyone involved in the program comes from different walks of life shows that the intended goal of bringing people together has been successful.

This weekly gathering also allows The Salvation Army to connect clients to other services within the organization.

“We are getting to know people, and they are getting to know us. The community meal gives us the opportunity to talk to them and show them how we can assist further,” Captain Lana says.

While providing nourishment to those in need is important, The Salvation Army in Chatham-Kent also prides itself on building relationships and fostering fellowship.

By Juan Romero

The post Weekly Community Meal Brings Different People Together appeared first on The Salvation Army.

by Simran Rambhia

D. first came to The Salvation Army’s Gateway in Toronto looking for support. Today, D. returns in a different role: as a volunteer helping raise funds through the Toronto Santa Shuffle for the community that once helped them.

For D., that connection is deeply personal.

“Volunteering to raise funds for the Drop-in meals at The Gateway has been very rewarding,” D. says. “The sense of community that I developed as both a client of The Gateway using the Drop-in and being a volunteer at the Santa Shuffle has been overwhelmingly positive for me. It lets me give back to a community that helped me when I needed help.”

D.’s journey offers a glimpse into what the Gateway Drop-in can mean to the people who come through its doors.

A Place to Feel Welcome

Located in downtown Toronto, The Salvation Army’s Gateway Drop-in provides a warm, inclusive space for community members every Tuesday and Friday. The program offers social connection, harm-reduction support, and meals, along with hot take-away dinners three nights a week.

Over the past year, 2,412 guests visited the Drop-in, and more than 10,400 hot meals were served. But for the people who walk through its doors, the impact can be much more personal.

For J., another Drop-in community member, Gateway offers food, connection and a place where they feel safe.

“People need the Drop-in Program. They are hungry and homeless and don’t have money to buy food. Food is expensive. When I come to The Gateway, I eat lunch, play video games and use the food pantry. I feel safe there.”

For D., that feeling of community is part of what made giving back meaningful. The same kind of welcome they once experienced is something they now want to help make possible for others.

From Gateway to the Santa Shuffle

Each year, the Toronto Santa Shuffle brings people together to raise funds that support the Gateway Drop-in Program. The connection can be seen through volunteers like D., whose experience with Gateway has become part of their reason for showing up on event day.

May Lynne has been volunteering at the Toronto Santa Shuffle for more than 15 years. Year after year, she sees familiar participants return for an event that brings people together while supporting the Gateway community.

“I look forward to volunteering at the Santa Shuffle, as I have for over 15 years,” May Lynne says. “I recognize many of the participants who also return each year to raise money for the Gateway Drop-in Program. It’s a nice start to the Christmas season for all.”

For May Lynne, D. and the many people who take part, the Santa Shuffle is more than a December event. It is one way a community comes together to help ensure that nourishment, connection and welcome remain available to people who need them.

For someone like D., that support can mean much more than a meal. It can mean finding a place to feel connected, supported and safe—and, one day, an opportunity to give back.

Join the Santa Shuffle

Run to give hope. Walk for the welcome. Give for the community.

The post From Finding Support to Giving Back Through the Santa Shuffle appeared first on The Salvation Army.

With clean rooms, welcoming staff and access to support, The Salvation Army’s shelter in Pembroke, Bermuda, serves as a good starting point for those seeking a brighter future.

At this location, both emergency and transitional housing are available. Here, residents not only receive temporary accommodation but also much-needed encouragement and assistance through referrals to services that can help them regain stability.

“When clients come in for the first time, we assess them, let them rest and give them some food while providing them with a safe environment. Once they are settled, we recommend additional services based on their personal needs,” says Shawn Thomas, shelter manager.

Staff at The Salvation Army put great emphasis on creating a space where residents can feel hopeful about their future. Thanks to the shelter’s dedicated house attendant, each room is kept clean and inviting.

“Since most of our clients are coming straight from the streets, having a clean environment can be very encouraging for them,” Shawn adds.

As residents begin working toward their goals, they are encouraged to take on an active role within the shelter community. Some volunteer to help maintain the property by mowing the lawn, trimming trees or caring for the grounds.

This involvement helps them develop practical skills that could lead to future employment opportunities while contributing to the welcoming, clean atmosphere that The Salvation Army provides.

“Some residents have a hard time finding a job and feel discouraged, so this is something that can keep them motivated,” Shawn shares. “Many of our clients want to find jobs in landscaping, so this helps them sharpen those skills.”

Beyond the safe place to stay, guests at the shelter have access to spiritual care and one-on-one support from a caseworker who refers them to other useful services on the island. The Salvation Army also partners with other organizations to provide mental-health and addictions support for those who need it.

For Residential Care Worker Kelli Edwards, the work is personal. Having experienced homelessness herself, she says it inspires her to help others.

“My inspiration to work at the shelter comes from personal experience. I was once homeless in this same community. It motivated me to give back,” Kelli says. “I have come to understand that for many clients, we are their only source of support. What I find most rewarding is seeing clients willing to accept help and make real progress. Watching them secure employment, housing and stability reminds me how important this work is.”

For the staff, the goal is simple: to prepare residents for independent living. Over the past year, the shelter celebrated many clients who successfully moved into their own homes.

“It’s just so fulfilling to see when someone who came here in a rough position leaves with a sense of renewal or pride to get back out there into society,” Shawn says.

In 2025, 22,876 visits were made to The Salvation Army in Bermuda for assistance. The organization also provided 68 beds each night across its social programs.

By Juan Romero

The post Salvation Army Shelter in Bermuda Supports Residents Rebuilding Their Lives appeared first on The Salvation Army.

Since June, The Salvation Army has supported wildfire responses in communities including West Kelowna, Comox, Boston Bar, Chilliwack and Kamloops. EDS teams have served food to firefighters and people who were forced to leave their homes. They’ve also delivered essential supplies to vulnerable areas and provided emotional and spiritual care to those displaced.

“Our wildfire season started in June and we have been responding to emergencies nonstop since July 7,” says Ian Pollard, director of EDS in British Columbia.

“We are here to provide comfort.”

In mid-June, EDS teams deployed to support evacuees of a small wildfire in West Kelowna. A few days later, they travelled to Comox on Vancouver Island to provide meals for firefighters battling another blaze.

During this time, EDS also equipped remote areas of B.C., many of which were First Nations, with fire skids that are firefighting systems to be mounted onto pickup trucks.

In early July, The Salvation Army supported evacuees from Boston Bar by providing meals, snacks, drinks, hygiene kits, gas vouchers and emotional and spiritual care.

“Our work gives us the opportunity to learn about their needs.”

Since July 24, the focus has been on responding to an out-of-control wildfire that displaced residents of Clinton and the community of 70 Mile House. Most evacuees fled to a reception centre and group lodging site in Kamloops where EDS is providing them with all three meals and essential items.

“We are here to provide comfort. A lot of them have travelled a long way, so they may not have had a meal since being on the road. We are also there to offer a listening ear,” Ian adds.

Human connections are just as important as nourishment.

“Our work gives us the opportunity to have those good conversations with evacuees and learn about their needs. Some are more complex than others, so by getting to know them, we can refer them to other resources that are available in the community,” Ian shares.

The Salvation Army has collaborated with local agencies in each wildfire response this summer. These partnerships elevate the level of care provided.

“When it comes to other organizations working alongside us, we try to complement one another rather than duplicate services, so together we can have a bigger impact,” Ian says.

At the time of publication, The Salvation Army’s response in British Columbia continues to expand as additional communities are impacted by active wildfires.

By Juan Romero

The post Salvation Army Responds to Wildfires Across British Columbia appeared first on The Salvation Army.

For parents trying to prepare their children for school while balancing a tight budget, The Salvation Army in Regina’s annual backpack program is back to ensure students have the tools they need for the upcoming academic year.

For Mykaela, as a parent, having access to this help eases a lot of stress.

“The backpack lifts a weight off my shoulders before the new school year. Supplies sometimes cost more than I can afford,” she says.

“The backpack lifts a weight off my shoulders before the new school year.”

Families who participate receive backpacks full of essentials, helping reduce expenses that come with the return to classes.

For Lyn, the program frees up more of her income.

“Being a single mom, this program takes out some of the pressure of preparing my kids for school with costs rising. This makes a difference,” she says. “It helps me budget for other things that are still needed. I’m grateful every year.”

The initiative has an easy and welcoming sign-up process for families. On pickup day, parents who registered visit The Salvation Army, where volunteers greet them with a smile and provide the supplies.

“It helps me budget for other things that are still needed.”

“It was a good experience,” says Tammy (not her real name), a parent and participant. “The backpacks were distributed in a very methodical manner. The process was very smooth.”

Many families welcome the additional assistance, for others like John the program is the only way they can acquire supplies.

“My children didn’t have anything prior to The Salvation Army giving us the backpacks,” John says. “They ended up returning to school very excited.”

Other participants not only expressed gratitude for The Salvation Army but also appreciated the community’s support.

“Being able to access this assistance means a lot to my family,” a mother named Oluremi shares. “It showed us that people care and that we’re supported, especially during tough times.”

The backpack program runs at many Salvation Army locations across Canada, helping children to begin the school year fully equipped to learn.

By Juan Romero

The post Salvation Army Backpack Program Returns to Support Vulnerable Families appeared first on The Salvation Army.

Individuals and families who visit the food bank can now select the items they need using a monthly allocation of points.

“We wanted to create a system that allows people to choose the foods that they know their family eats.”

Each product is assigned a value. Fresh produce, dairy and other nutritious options cost less, promoting healthy choices. Points can be used over multiple visits or in a single trip, depending on what works best for each person.

“We wanted to create a system that allows people to choose the foods that they know their family eats,” says Major Ron Cartmell, leader at The Salvation Army in Vernon.

Before the introduction of this initiative, food was pre-packed and distributed. The new shopping model gives guests more control by allowing them to pick what best suits their needs.

“Now that we have moved to this new system, many people have told us they were previously getting items they didn’t necessarily need. So now that they get to choose for themselves, it becomes a much better experience,” says Bridget Westcott, who led the transition. “This move also helps us reduce food waste.”

Along with this program, software that tracks inventory was also implemented. The data collected identifies the most requested products and helps staff better plan food drives and make purchasing decisions.

The system encourages individuals to budget. 

“Now that they get to choose for themselves, it becomes a much better experience.”

“Giving people the ability to be able to come in daily makes a huge difference,” Bridget adds. “If you are smart with your points, we could be feeding you every meal.”

The new model has also improved the experience for volunteers. Instead of just monitoring what people can and can’t take, they now can serve as support shoppers, walking alongside guests and offering conversation.

According to Major Ron, the change encourages social connection, as many people visit not only for nourishment but also for the opportunity to interact. 

“Loneliness is an epidemic, especially for many of our seniors. Sometimes they come to be around other people and have somebody say good morning to them,” Major Ron shares.

Since the initiative was implemented, people accessing the food bank have expressed their appreciation for the new model.

“Overall, people are extremely happy to have autonomy in their experience,” says Teresa Durning, community engagement coordinator. “One woman mentioned that it felt like going to the grocery store. She admitted she felt nervous about the new system but was happy with the outcome.”

For The Salvation Army in Vernon, that feedback is exactly what the team was hoping to hear. The goal was to create a welcoming atmosphere where guests feel comfortable and respected while accessing the food they need.

By Juan Romero

The post New Food Bank Model Reduces Waste and Restores Dignity appeared first on The Salvation Army.

Soon after, they opened a restaurant. However, like many new businesses, it came with challenges. Debt added up and financial pressures became a constant worry in their lives. Eventually, the family made the tough decision to close the establishment and they relocated to St. Catharines, Ont. Although they were grateful to have housing, they had very few belongings and struggled to put food on the table.

“The support meant a lot to our family.”

Not giving up, Nadia looked for resources they could access in the community. This is how she found The Salvation Army.

“I saw their building and logo while walking one time and asked myself, ‘What is this? What do they do?’” she recalls. “Later, I researched online and sent the organization a message explaining my situation.”

Within days, Nadia and her husband met with a member of The Salvation Army’s Community and Family Services team in St. Catharines. They received food assistance along with practical support, including furniture and a mattress to help them settle into their new home.

“The support meant a lot to our family. We are very grateful for everything The Salvation Army has done for us,” Nadia shares.

“They make me feel included. God bless them all.”

The Salvation Army also helped Nadia feel more connected to her new community. She joined the organization’s English Conversation Café for women, where she practises her conversational English and has become more secure when navigating everyday situations. 

“The classes have helped me a lot,” Nadia says. “I feel more confident about my English skills now and when speaking with my child’s doctor or dealing with other important things.”

For Nadia, the support has been more than food and furniture. It’s also been a moral boost to her during a difficult chapter of life.

“Everyone here is amazing,” she says. “They make me feel included. God bless them all.”

While Nadia’s family continues to work their way back to stability, they feel fortunate to have this support in the meantime.

“The staff have made us feel more than welcome. I love them all,” Nadia concludes.

By Juan Romero 

The post Salvation Army Supports Newcomer Family Through a Fresh Start appeared first on The Salvation Army.

In need of assistance, Mary turned to The Salvation Army’s food bank in Salmon Arm, B.C., where she found hope during one of the most challenging times of her life.

“I was going through a difficult financial period and needed help providing food for my family, especially because I had little children,” she shares.

Although Mary had been aware of The Salvation Army’s services for years, taking the step to reach out was not easy. However, the mounting expenses left her with no other option.

“Aside from balancing work and responsibilities, I also had loans from my education and credit card payments that I needed to take care of,” she adds.

“I would have had to pick between food and other essential expenses.”

When Mary walked into the food bank for the first time, her concerns began to ease.

“The staff and volunteers are welcoming, kind and respectful. They are genuine and ready to listen to clients’ stories or provide support with gentle words and hugs,” she says.

What stands out most to Mary about The Salvation Army is the compassion shown by staff and how comfortable they make guests feel.

“When you are there, no one judges you based on how you look or the clothes you wear.”

In addition to food, Mary received clothes, household items and children’s toys. The support added up, helping her family financially while also lifting their spirits.

“Sometimes the little things, like what they provided for my children and for our home, make a beautiful impact,” she says.

 Mary hopes to advance her career and achieve financial stability. She is grateful for The Salvation Army’s support and admits she would have been forced to make difficult choices without access to the food bank.

“The staff and volunteers are welcoming, kind and respectful.”

“I would have had to pick between food and other essential expenses, which would have created additional stress for my family,” Mary says. “It could have pulled us further into debt.”

Mary wants people facing hardship to know they should not be afraid to reach out to The Salvation Army. She also encourages those who can, to support the services so more families in need can receive assistance.

“Anyone can face unexpected challenges. Seeking help is not a sign of weakness. Organizations like The Salvation Army make a real difference in people’s lives and help families move forward with hope and dignity.”

By Juan Romero

The post Mother Rebuilds Her Life with Help From The Salvation Army appeared first on The Salvation Army.