Donna Hildebrand, a proud 71-year-old retiree from Logan Lake, B.C., has made The Salvation Army a key part of her life, continuing a tradition of family generosity that began with her late father, Ben. 

Dedication and Inspiration

Donna has been a committed monthly donor to the Army’s Red Shield for more than 14 years, which allows for funds to go toward the area of greatest need, and she recently confirmed a gift in her will to benefit the church in Kamloops, B.C. Additionally, her father’s estate will also benefit the Kamloops ministry, an area he held dear in his heart.

For Ben, supporting The Salvation Army was very important, and he often shared stories of seeing the Army serve workers in remote parts of the province. As a BC Hydro employee in the Interior, he admired the organization’s commitment to offering food and essentials to those in need. 

Donna recalls her father’s dedication to charitable giving, emphasizing that his philosophy of giving continues to inspire her and her family to support the Army. 

Aiding Those in Need

Through her ongoing donations, Donna sees the impact of The Salvation Army’s work firsthand. She particularly appreciates how the organization consistently steps in to help during natural disasters, such as the wildfires in Kamloops. From providing financial and emotional support at welcoming centres to offering essential resources to those affected, their presence reinforced Donna’s trust in the organization. 

“My inspiration to continue doing work for The Salvation Army, among many others, is seeing them present,” Donna says. “Whether it’s in a place where there’s a lack of housing or where there’s conflict, I see them working in floods or in a place where people need food. It’s very valuable, to see them always doing something good for people, no matter who they are.”

What she finds especially meaningful is her ability to direct her donations locally, seeing the positive effects within her own community. For Donna, donating to causes that make a direct difference in Kamloops brings deep satisfaction. 

A key factor in her support is the Army’s commitment to using donations effectively, focusing resources on the community rather than on promotional expenses. Donna values knowing her contributions directly aid those in need, aligning with her family’s tradition of supporting impactful causes. Her story is a testament to how one family’s values and legacy can bring lasting hope and support to a community.