(Above) Members of North Toronto Community Church take part in a Zoom cooking class, led by The Salvation Army Zambia Tty's women’s ministries department

Every year, individuals and corps across Canada and Bermuda raise funds to support the work of The Salvation Army in more than 130 countries worldwide. As the COVID-19 pandemic grew and congregations were forced to stay home, it would have been easy to forgo the Partners in Mission campaign. Instead, Salvationists were quick to adapt, determined to raise funds in safe and creative ways. Here are a few examples of their spirit of compassion and generosity:

Over the pandemic, Caitlin West, who attends The Willows in Langley, B.C., started baking bread for family and friends.

“Initially, it was a way to occupy my extra time at home,” says West, “but when I realized it may be hard for our church to meet our fundraising goal, I thought I could start selling bread.”

West sold close to 90 loaves of bread, raising more than $1,000.

“This fundraiser taught me how willing people are to give, even in times of uncertainty,” she says. “Right now, many people are uncertain about their jobs, finances and health, yet they’re still so ready to give what they can to support the work of The Salvation Army.”—Kathy Nguyen

The pandemic might have closed the doors of North Toronto Community Church (NTCC), but moving to online activities opened the door to new possibilities. As one of several fundraisers organized by a team of volunteers, NTCC corps members and friends took part in a Zoom cooking class, led by The Salvation Army Zambia Territory’s women’s ministries department.

The women demonstrated how to prepare a chicken pasta, a traditional Zambian dish. While preparing the meal, they shared how food is an important element in Zambian culture, and this dish is one that is prepared for a family or brought to a neighbour’s to engage in fellowship together.

Participants in the cooking class also shared their own experiences with cooking while living in Zimbabwe, Zambia, Uganda, South Africa and other parts of the world. The cooking class raised more than $400 for the campaign.—Robyn Goodyear

Maryuri Marin grew up in Medellin, Colombia, where she witnessed poverty and people in need.

“My family and I always had our basic needs covered, but that’s not the case for everyone back home,” she says. “I know the impact that missions can have on people’s lives.”

When she arrived in Canada and became a permanent resident, life was a struggle. “Colombia’s currency value is low compared to the Canadian dollar and, at some point, I needed help,” she recalls. “I received it from The Salvation Army and other organizations, so I know first-hand what it means to be helped and how that help can have a positive impact on your life and change it for the better.”

She started attending Yorkminster Citadel in Toronto after participating in a Hispanic family camp at Jackson’s Point, Ont., and eventually became the children and youth ministry co-ordinator at Scarborough Citadel in Toronto.

“When I heard about the Partners in Mission campaign and some of the work The Salvation Army does internationally where people need it, my heart melted, and I just fell in love with it,” she says. “During the campaign in 2020 and 2021, I made videos for our children’s time, and encouraged the kids to think of ways to raise money using our talents.”

But Marin wanted to do more.

“One day, I just thought that I should do something for real and not only create encouraging content,” she says, “so I offered Spanish and ESL lessons among the members of my church.”

Every person joining the class donated $2 per lesson, raising $135 for the Partners in Mission campaign.—Giselle Randall

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