For more than 30 years, Josie Myles has been a familiar face on the main street of Wiarton, Ont. As the owner of Josie’s Fashions, josiesonline.ca and Symon Says, a local Canadian-made gift shop, she has spent decades investing in the community she proudly calls home.

A fourth-generation business owner in Wiarton, Josie believes strong communities are built when people support one another. That belief is one of the reasons she continues to support The Salvation Army’s work in the area.

Giving Hope

“I’m always blown away at how much our little town’s Salvation Army does,” says Josie. “The amount of good they accomplish with relatively limited resources is incredible.”

Josie’s connection to the organization deepened after attending a recent donor appreciation event, where staff shared stories about local programs and the lives that have been transformed through support, encouragement and hope.

One initiative that particularly resonated with her was Trade Start, a work experience program that helps at-risk youth and young adults gain skills, confidence and employment opportunities.

“I remember hearing from one participant years ago who said the program gave them hope,” Josie recalls. “That has always stayed with me.

“To see people move forward, find employment, continue their education and become productive members of society is remarkable.”

“The Salvation Army help restore hope and remind people that theymatter. That’s incredibly important.” JOSIE MYLES

Life-Changing Programs

For Josie, programs like Trade Start demonstrate how a relatively simple concept can have a profound impact.

“That one-on-one support can change someone’s whole future,” she says. “You’re helping people become productive members of society instead of falling through the cracks.”

What impresses her the most is the dedication of the people behind these life-changing programs.

“As a person looking from the outside, it could look simple” she says. “But I know it’s not. It’s tons of hours and people who are passionate about what they do.”

That commitment is one of the reasons she continues to support The Salvation Army.

“The one thing about your Salvation Army is it directly supports your clients,” says Josie. “You can see the impact it has on people and families in our community.”

People Matter

The stories shared at the event reinforced what Josie already believed—that The Salvation Army’s impact extends far beyond what many people realize.

“People might know about the food bank or Christmas assistance, but there’s so much more happening,” she says. “Whether it’s helping families, supporting children, providing pathways out of addiction or programs like Trade Start, they’re changing lives every day.”

As someone who has spent her life in Wiarton, Josie is passionate about supporting organizations that strengthen the community she loves.

“I’m a huge community person,” she explains. “I love seeing people succeed, and I love seeing organizations that genuinely care about helping others.”

What stands out most to her is the dignity and respect The Salvation Army offers to every person who walks through its doors.

“They make people feel valued,” she says. “They help restore hope and remind people that they matter. That’s incredibly important.”

Inspiring Support

Through personal donations, support of local fundraising events and community initiatives, Josie continues to champion The Salvation Army’s mission and encourage others to learn more about the work being done locally.

For her, giving is about making a difference close to home.

“If I can help in even the tiniest way, I’m happy to be part of it,” Josie says. “When you see the impact these programs have on people’s lives, you know your support is making a difference.”

One moment from the donor appreciation event has stayed with her ever since. She remembers hearing a former program participant say, “I didn’t have hope. It gave me hope.”

For Josie, that simple statement captures the importance of The Salvation Army’s work.

“I’ll never forget that.”

Behind every program, every donation and every volunteer hour is an opportunity to help someone find hope, rebuild their confidence and create a better future.

By sharing her story, she hopes more people will learn about the programs and services available and recognize the important role they play in helping individuals and families build brighterfutures.

It is that hope—and the life-changing impact it has on individuals, families and the entire community—that continues to inspire Josie’s support.

Photos: Tanya Early/Tobermory Press