Halifax resident and retired banker Ron Goyer wasn't new to volunteering. He had spent years donating his time to service clubs and being a mentor through Big Brother. But when his father—who lived in the Salvation Army seniors' home in Saskatoon—passed away, Goyer decided to volunteer at the Centre of Hope in Halifax as a means of saying “thanks” to the Army for the quality care his father received.
For the past three years, Goyer has spent his Thursdays sorting goods and packing food in preparation for an average of 40 clients who visit the centre's food bank on Mondays and Fridays.
“It's rewarding to volunteer because you meet a lot of people and it makes you appreciate the things you have in life,” says Goyer. “People of all ages come to the centre for different programs and I'm glad to contribute in some way to help them.
“My hope is that they can, one day, get themselves back on their feet and will no longer require our services. Some have done that and return to volunteer because they appreciate what the centre has done for them.”
Alyssa's volunteering journey started through a chance encounter at a Salvation Army Christmas kettle. “It’s been a huge confidence builder, and she’s able to just be herself,” her stepfather, Allen, says. “I couldn’t have hoped for better.”
The Salvation Army's Saskatoon Temple’s Christmas hamper program has been going on for several decades.
“We’re a pretty busy ministry unit at Christmastime,” says Captain Derek Kerr, the pastor. “We help anywhere from 3,500 to 4,500 families, depending on the year. A lot of people come through.”
There’s something sacred about a life that never stops seeking purpose. Renee Hannam, a retired teacher and faithful soldier of The Salvation Army, has always longed to make her days count. A devoted volunteer, lifelong champion for teen moms and their children, and an active memberof Mountain Citadel in Hamilton, Ont., she has a deep desire to
Ron Goyer with his supervisor, Alex MacDonald
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