Gifts of Hope is The Salvation Army in Canada and Bermuda’s ethical giving program, which offers hope to vulnerable people around the world. The gift options have been carefully selected to have the greatest possible impact by helping to break the cycle of poverty. They also contribute to the achievement of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), a framework to build peace and prosperity for people and the planet. 

The gifts donated through this program provide opportunities for income and livelihood generation, increased food security and nutrition, improved education and literacy, enhanced access to health care and clean water, and so much more. A gift as simple as a chicken, a backpack or a bag of seed can transform a life or even a whole community. 

Thanks to your generous support, hundreds of people around the world received the transforming gift of hope this year. Gifts of Hope is providing support to people in Africa, South Amercia, Central America and Asia. Here are some of the highlights from the Gifts of Hope program in Africa this year: 

Hope in Mozambique 

During the pandemic, the town of Xai-Xai in Mozambique was hit by a strong storm, causing damage to the play structure at the Salvation Army preschool. The structure provided essential protection from the sun and rain, especially during the rainy season, and is a legal requirement for preschools in Mozambique. With funding from the Canada and Bermuda Territory’s Gifts of Hope program, The Salvation Army in Mozambique was able to remove the damaged structure and construct a new outdoor play area at the preschool, complete with sand, a swing set and a roof to protect from the elements. Now, the 300 children they serve in this community have a safe space to learn, play freely, use their imagination, build friendships and be kids. 

Hope in Liberia 

The Gbayee Town Elementary School serves more than 230 students in rural Liberia. However, to continue providing a high-quality education to children, some serious repairs are needed to the school building. With funding from the Gifts of Hope program, the Liberia Territory will be making necessary renovations to the elementary school, including replacing damaged doors, windows and ceilings, and reinforcing the structure of the building. With this project, The Salvation Army in Liberia will be able to provide a safe environment for children and staff to learn and work. Parents will be able to send their children to school without worry to receive an education that will set them up for a successful future. 

Hope in Zambia 

The Petauke Community School in Zambia serves more than 200 students, from preschool to Grade 7. In any school, proper sanitation facilities and water access are essential. Inadequate sanitation and waste management facilities can cause illness, disease and numerous other health concerns—issues that affect all children but have a disproportionate effect on girls. These issues can often cause students to drop out of school altogether. With funding from the Gifts of Hope program, The Salvation Army in Zambia is building a new ablution block at the Petauke Community School. The new, accessible toilet facilities will provide students and staff with a clean, safe environment and access to clean water. Male and female students alike will be able to attend school and focus on receiving an education, building skills and preparing for the future. 

These are just three examples of the lasting, sustainable impact of the gift of hope. The Gifts of Hope program offers a range of gifts: Hope Through Education, Hope Through Farming, Hope Through Health and Hope Through Communities. Can’t decide which category to choose from? You can also donate to the Where Needed Most category, which allows us to direct your gift where it will have the greatest possible impact. With your support, we can truly make a world of difference. 

For more information about Gifts of Hope, visit salvationist.ca/international-development/gifts-of-hope. 

Robyn Goodyear is the international project support co-ordinator in the international development department. 

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