“My message is that life is unpredictable,” says Erin Menzies of Kelowna, B.C. “You never know what challenges you might face. Having someone give you a hand up, like The Salvation Army did for me, may just be what someone needs to turn their life around.”

Getting Better

Erin was a college graduate and hard worker who was raised in a happy home. But in her 20s, she developed a medical condition that made it challenging for her to stay employed. When her son was born, Erin was left to raise him alone.

“I went from having a full-time career to facing life as a single mom.” 

Fortunately, the Army was there. 

“I was embarrassed to ask for help,” Erin confesses. “But The Salvation Army made me feel welcome and, most importantly, unashamed. They made us feel cared for, they prayed for us and they gave me the encourage-ment that things would get better.

“And they were right,” smiles Erin. “Life did get better.”

Changing a Life

Erin received support from the Army food bank and Christmas hamper program, and were accepted into subsidized housing.

“Our basic needs are being met,” says Erin, “and that incredible financial stress is off my shoulders.”

Now, Erin is in a position where she can give back, to help others as they were helped. This is why she volunteers to work on the Army kettles.

“I want my son to learn the importance of helping others,” Erin says. “He is excited to ring the bells this year and bring Christmas joy to those in our community.

“While we can’t give much financially, we can give our time. And, maybe, we just might change someone’s life.”

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