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.”
In 2021, this territory adopted its first strategic plan, setting before us a clear vision for 2030: “We are an innovative partner, mobilized to share hope wherever there is hardship, building communities that are just and know the love of Jesus.” Over the past five years, that vision has guided us well. It has helped us make necessary decisions, address important realities and prepare ourselves for the future God is shaping.
At The Salvation Army's New Hope Leslieville shelter in Toronto, a monthly jam session gives residents an opportunity to experience the joy of music, thanks to Harmonies for Hope. The program is led by a volunteer, Rob Dixon, who shares how an encounter with a man experiencing homelessness inspired Harmonies for Hope, and how the program creates
Ron Goyer with his supervisor, Alex MacDonald
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