Assia Said is a loyal and dedicated volunteer of The Salvation Army, but for the first 29 years of her life in Canada, her impression of the Army was all thrift stores and Christmas kettles. However, like many, it was when she needed a helping hand that she learned more about the good they provide to those looking for a second chance.

“It’s a great organization,” Assia says. “Seeing how much they give and how the community is helped. They accept you for who you are.”

Bus Ride to Help

A single mother of four, Assia found herself at a women’s shelter after fleeing an unhealthy relationship in 2017.

On her last day at the shelter, she was given a list of resources to help her get back on her feet. It was an extremely hard time in her life, and the places she was turning to for assistance made her feel unwelcome.

After exhausting all her options, Assia turned to The Salvation Army, and that’s when things started to look up for her. She contacted Castledowns Church in Edmonton and spoke to someone over the phone. They told her they take walk-ins and that there was no wait time.

Excited about the news, Assia hopped on a bus and was there in 30 minutes. After sitting with a staff member and explaining her situation, she was given vouchers for the Salvation Army thrift store. This allowed her to get kitchen supplies, bedding and clothes for herself and her children.

“They’re very understanding,” Assia explains. “You don’t have to feel ashamed that you need help.”

From Client to Volunteer

Assia’s relationship with The Salvation Army changed one day when she walked into the church and noticed a mural on the wall with a saying that was translated into several different languages. As someone who can speak seven languages herself, she saw an error in one of the translations. 

Assia quickly offered to correct it, and that was the beginning of her volunteering for the Army.

“When she first came to us, she came as a client,” explains Major Carolyn Hale, the pastor at Castledowns Church. “But what she found here was a family.”

Assia helps at the food pantry at Castledowns, but her dedication to the Army does not stop there. She has dressed up as the Sally Ann mascot during Doughnut Day, which honours the Salvation Army volunteers who served in the First World War. And she gives her time to the Army’s emergency disaster services team during wildfire season by cooking meals and serving water to evacuees. She has also assisted at events such as BRAVE, a course for young girls that builds self-esteem and confidence. 

Assia’s hard work has not gone unnoticed. In March 2023, she received a volunteer appreciation award for her commitment during the Christmas season. She put in a total of 224 hours on the kettles—the most, by far, of any volunteer.

“It makes me feel like I have a purpose,” she explains.

Creating Connection

Every day, there’s a new story with each food bank client who walks through the doors. A simple “How’s your day going?” can mean so much to someone just looking for a connection. 

Assia understands that a modest interaction can brighten someone’s day, and a friendly hug or an extra loaf of bread can create a lasting bond.

“I have family here now that looks after me like I’m one of them,” Assia says.

“Now she’s just a part of us,” Major Carolyn says. “That’s the beautiful connection that we’ve made with her.” 

Maria Silva-Dean is a marketing and communications specialist for The Salvation Army’s Prairies and Northern Territories Division. She enjoys travelling, camping and spending time with family and friends.