Fulfilling a God-inspired Dream
When he stands at the kettle, Jim Hardiman knows he's helping to feed the hungry
Last winter, when Jim Hardiman returned home to St. Catharines, Ont., from working on a ship on the Great Lakes, he volunteered on a Salvation Army canteen truck. Realizing how costly it is to help the poor, Hardiman then volunteered 70 hours to stand beside Christmas kettles. “I enjoy ringing the bell at the liquor store with my Christmas music playing in the background and watching people give generously for the needy in our community,” he says. “It is a wonderful opportunity to meet many different people and to fulfil my God-inspired dream of feeding the hungry.”
Hardiman's wife, Eva, supports him on the canteen truck and on the kettle. “We are hoping to give 100 hours on the kettle this year,” he says. “That is nothing compared to people who are out in the cold. We know that God has called us all to feed the hungry.”
Giving Back to Canada
Gustavo Martinez is full of hope for the future
Most of the volunteers at Montreal's community and family services are immigrants from Spanish-speaking countries in South and Central America. New to Canada, they are without a network of contacts, friends and shared experiences, but through the Army receive valuable work experience.
When Gustavo Martinez came to Canada with his wife and four children, they were able to rent an apartment, but had no furniture. The Salvation Army's family services provided clothing, mattresses and food.
“I was so grateful,” says Martinez. “I asked how I could pay them back and ended up working voluntarily every Friday in the family services warehouse as a handyman—fixing doors, moving skids, unpacking boxes and cleaning the floor. It's my way to give back to Canadian society and to help people. I have a lot to be thankful for: my kids go to school in a safe environment, my family eats every day and we have a home. We are full of hope for the future.”
Photo: Gustavo Martinez (first on left) and his friends find joy in helping others
A Community Response
The Fire and Food initiative is a source of thanksgiving for Langley residents
David Backie and his fellow Fort Langley, B.C., firefighters delivered 1,200 empty bags to local residents in September. A month later, they picked up the bags filled with donated foods to stock The Salvation Army's food bank. Backie, the founder of this initiative, felt proud of the community's response. “Thanks to all these donations,” he says, “people in need can have a better chance at having a real Thanksgiving dinner. I hope the Fire and Food concept can spread to other fire halls in Langley and be instrumental in feeding the community's hungry.”
There were 3,364 pounds of food collected, twice as much as the previous year. It's an example of the wonderful support of Fort Langley residents.
Photo: David Backie (second from left) and his fellow firefighters collect food for those in need
Using Talents for Others
For those struggling with addictions, Carol Finch's friendship is a cut above
Carol Finch visits The Salvation Army's Addictions and Residential Centre in Edmonton on the first Tuesday of every month to cut residents' hair for free. She also provides them with a listening ear. “I used to have my own hair salon,” says Finch. “Believing God wants us to use our gifts for others, I volunteered to cut the men's hair at the ARC. Coming from a background of multiple addictions, I identify with the men and their struggles.” On most Tuesdays, Finch will cut the hair of 15-20 men. “The men really look forward to her visits,” says Major Elaine Bridger, assistant executive director. “They appreciate her time and her listening ear. She does a marvelous job and is very faithful.”
Helping Hurting People
For 20 years, Joan Crooks has served Halifax women in need
As a volunteer at Halifax community and family services, Joan Crooks regularly helps out with the take-a-break program. She provides women with clothing and food, and takes time to speak with them. “I love helping hurting people,” she says. “One young woman had been abused and kicked out of her home by her boyfriend with only the clothes she was wearing. We provided food, clothing and arranged for her to go to a woman's shelter.”
Crooks has been volunteering for 20 years. “Joan's robust nature and energy have proved to be valuable assets in the general operation of our community and family services,” says Major Karen Ingram, divisional secretary for adult ministries, Maritime Division. “She has been recognized at volunteer appreciation functions for her dedicated service.”
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