The Salvation Army | Salvationist.ca
The Voice of The Salvation Army in Canada and Bermuda
Forming unlikely friendships in the heart of Toronto.
March 18, 2013 1 Comment
Finding affordable housing in major urban cities like Toronto is no easy feat. And for those who stay at the Gateway, a Salvation Army 108-bed shelter and drop-in centre for men and women in Toronto, the hurdles can seem insurmountable. Director Dion Oxford has seen first-hand how individuals who transition from shelter life to a place of their own often wind up back where they started—living … [Read more...]
Decisions that seem common sense to us don’t even occur to some people. But why?
February 20, 2013 by Dion Oxford Leave a Comment
I wonder why my mother wasn’t a crack addict or why I wasn’t born in poverty. Why wasn’t I born HIV positive or abused as a child? I could have faced these horrors in my life, and I know some of you have, but the reasons why I was spared were out of my control. There are many things that shape our lives that we have no control over. We don’t choose our parents and siblings, skin colour, … [Read more...]
Seeing Christ in the marginalized
April 18, 2012 Major Juan Burry 1 Comment
The Salvation Army has a colourful history of using pithy statements to summarize the enormous mission that it has in the world. When I first encountered the Army in the 1980s, the slogan “Heart to God, Hand to Man” was used extensively. In 2000, General John Gowans (Rtd) attempted to capture the raison d’être of The Salvation Army with a phrase that resonated with officers and soldiers … [Read more...]
In spite of political and economic turmoil, the South America East Territory is focused on growth, says Colonel Susan McMillan
February 7, 2012 Leave a Comment
For the past two years, Colonel Susan McMillan, a Canadian officer, has been the territorial commander of the South America East Territory. In addition to appointments in Canada, Colonel McMillan served four years in Mexico as a lieutenant, during which time she learned to speak Spanish. She also served as finance secretary in South America East and as chief secretary in South America West. She … [Read more...]
What is the role of The Salvation Army in advocating for the poor and marginalized? What influence can we have over those who treat others unjustly?
January 13, 2012 by Major Julie Slous 1 Comment
Most of us have vivid memories from our childhood, some for their charmed and warmed aspects, others for the struggle and learning they represent. It is the latter that shadows my perspective when I think of Grade 4 recesses. While most of my classmates watched the clock, anticipating the bell, I remember dreading the moment. Why couldn’t time just stand still? Once recess began, I would have to … [Read more...]
Helped by The Salvation Army when her life hit a low ebb, Carol Willems knows what it is like to be in despair at Christmastime
December 15, 2011 by Ken Ramstead 1 Comment
“Could you please get your car and drive it to the church entrance?” the Salvation Army pastor asked Carol Willems a couple of days before the holidays. What an odd request! a panicked Carol thought. Are they going to fire me and ask me to haul away all of my things? The separated mother of two was already depressed as the Christmas season approached and had thrown herself into her work as … [Read more...]
Why does it take Christmas to heighten our sensitivity toward the poor and disadvantaged? How do we move with Jesus to a post-manger experience?
December 15, 2011 by Major Julie Slous 1 Comment
The call came through in the late hours of the evening. The voice on the phone was frantic. “Major Julie,” she said. “All the families in our complex are being evicted. We don’t have anywhere to go and we don’t know what to do.” This is the dilemma faced by more than 100 families this Christmas in the neighbourhood surrounding Winnipeg’s Heritage Park Temple. Final notice is … [Read more...]
When we share our wealth with others, we embrace the true spirit of Christmas
December 14, 2011 by Major Danielle Strickland Leave a Comment
On September 17, protesters calling themselves “The 99 Percent” gathered in New York to demand change from the top one percent of America that control the nation’s financial institutions. Since these Occupy Wall Street demonstrations began, similar “occupy” campaigns have spread to over 70 North American cities, including Toronto, Ottawa, Calgary and Vancouver. The protesters are railing … [Read more...]
Canadian Foodgrains Bank-sponsored event a way to “respond to the issue of hunger”
October 5, 2011 Leave a Comment
On October 16, James Kornelsen wants you to fast—for change. “Fasting is a way to change yourself, change your relationship to God, and change the world,” says Kornelsen, who coordinates the annual Canadian Foodgrains Bank Fast for Change event. “It’s a way for people of faith to respond to the issue of hunger through fasting, praying, advocating and giving.” Timed to coincide … [Read more...]
As a social activist, Major Campbell Roberts urges Salvationists to fight for a better world.
July 20, 2011 2 Comments
Major Campbell Roberts is the secretary for social program and national director of social policy and social services for the New Zealand, Fiji and Tonga Territory. He is responsible for all government and parliamentary relationships with the Army in New Zealand and is often called upon as a national spokesperson and media commentator on issues of poverty, prison reform, housing, welfare and … [Read more...]
Salvationist, Faith & Friends and Foi & Vie magazines as well as our website are recognized by Canadian Church Press.
Each summer, more than 4,500 young people attend Army camps.
Graduates challenged to “do something” at 31st convocation ceremony in April.
Musician Andrew Scott is raising money for The Salvation Army with a new CD.
