Most Canadians are completely unaware that the effects of modern slavery and human trafficking reach every province and community in this country.

“I’d always gravitated toward children with special needs, children who are extremely vulnerable,” teacher Lori Barry explains. “These children need so much attention, but they often fall between the cracks.” Lori has been teaching now for 30 years, most of that time in special education. “I’ve spent a career teaching the children that no one else wanted to teach, that no one wanted to commit to—and they’ve changed my life.”

In June, nine Champions of the Mission cadets—fondly described as trailblazers—were ordained and commissioned as Salvation Army officers. This session was the first to complete the revised training program at the College for Officer Training, which was relocated from Winnipeg to Toronto in July 2023.