In February, eight-year-old Hunter Mackay travelled around his hometown of Fort St. John, B.C., collecting non-perishable items for the Salvation Army food bank. With the help of his mother, Jolene Mackay, they donated 300 pounds worth of food, as well as toiletries and cash.

Banking for Help

The idea for Hunter’s food drive began when he and his mother were going through his room to gather items for the local Salvation Army thrift store. 

“I asked my mom what it was for,” Hunter says. “She explained that they provide food and clothes to people who really need help as well as places to stay and sleep. I was sad, but I was also happy that we could help.”

When Hunter asked if he could give the organization all their own food, Jolene smiled and said no but suggested they organize a food drive. Hunter excitedly agreed.

Such willingness to give is not uncharacteristic of Hunter, Jolene says. Being diagnosed with ADHD—which makes him “love to talk, move and have big emotions”—has been “overwhelming for a kid his age” and has caused him to be a bit of an outsider at times.

“This has made Hunter deeply empathetic for the suffering of others,” she explains. “He prays every night, and his prayers always include the safety and well-being of others. He donates to everything he can, sometimes asking for money, but often giving everything from his own piggy bank.”

“I want to do lots more and see if I can get some other kids to help, too.” HUNTER MACKAY

All in the Family 

Though Hunter’s desire to help others derives partially from his own experience, it has also been passed down by his family. 

Before moving to Fort St. John, Jolene had a robust volunteer resumé as a soccer coach, Girl Guide leader and an organizer for Relay for Help, a cancer fundraiser. Since relocating, she has fostered rescue animals, been involved in organizing drives for the local women’s resource centre and the Baby’s Best Chance program. She has also started My Special Time With Santa, an initiative that provides a safe and quiet space for children with different needs and abilities to meet Santa without the pressure of large crowds and time constraints. 

When considering her own efforts, Jolene sums up her mindset.

“Over the last couple of decades, I’ve discovered that, when I’m feeling down, helping makes me feel better. It’s a lot harder to feel sorry for yourself when you realize what an impact you can make for others.”

Jolene is thankful for the help and support she has received in her life—especially through a traumatic pregnancy after becoming a mother at an early age.

“I’ve tried to make sure I give back, and I teach my kids to give back as much as possible.”

Leading the Way

After walking around collecting items all day, Hunter admits that he was tired. However, despite some nerves at the first house on their route, he described the event as “fun.”

He took the lead and did the talking, taking a poster he and Jolene designed to each house to explain why they were organizing a food drive.

“I showed everyone the poster, so they didn’t think I was just a really hungry kid,” Hunter smiles.

Along the way, he got to pet many dogs, and he helped sort the food onto shelves afterward.

The Mackays’ efforts were supported by the local newspaper and radio station, which caught wind of their initiative and promoted it. The local Salvation Army also offered to help in any way.

Hunter initially thought The Salvation Army was only about the kettles at Christmastime, which he thought were “neat,” but when Jolene told him how the organization helped people, he wanted to give them as much as he could.

“I didn’t know The Salvation Army was a church until now,” he explains, something that was “awesome” to discover.

Faith

The Mackays are a family of faith and attend a local church. Hunter proudly and unabashedly proclaims that he “loves God” and that God is very important to his family.

Though not directly connected to The Salvation Army, Jolene has seen its “incredible presence in town,” something that drew her to send the proceeds from Hunter’s food drive to its food pantry.

“I know The Salvation Army has made a huge impact here and I’m glad we could contribute to that in even a small way.”

The Drive for Another Drive

Excited by the success of the food drive and eager to continue, Hunter hoped to repeat the process the following weekend.

Jolene, however, advised him to plan for a larger event in the fall to help families after buying school supplies.

“I feel really proud, but I’m also sad that people need help and don’t always get what they need,” Hunter says, reflecting on the food drive. “I want to do lots more and see if I can get some other kids to help, too.”

To lend your support to the mission and ministry of The Salvation Army, visit salvationarmy.ca/donations.

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