National Volunteer Week, April 15 to April 21, pays special tribute to Canadian volunteers across the country who give of themselves to better their communities and the lives of others. Volunteers Grow Community remains the theme for NVW this year and throughout the territory, volunteers give of their time and energy to provide exemplary service to those in need.
All across the Canada and Bermuda Territory, volunteers are making a difference in the lives of individuals in their communities. The Salvation Army wants to celebrate the many individuals who so generously give of their time and talents to assist us in our mission.

In St. John’s, N.L., volunteers are growing community at the Army’s Friendship Corner, a street-friendly drop-in centre that is part of the city’s downtown core ministries. Barbara Hayward has been volunteering there since the program started six and a half years ago. She greets the guests, serves them a meal and provides a listening ear. Barbara states that she is willing to do “whatever it takes to add value to their lives.” When asked what she would like to tell other volunteers or potential volunteers, Barbara says, “Volunteering has been a very rewarding experience, beyond anything else I have ever done. It offers you the opportunity to reach out to others and touch the lives of many lonely people in Jesus’ name.”

George (Bob) Hillier is a soldier at Spryfield Community Church, Halifax, where he volunteers his time to co-ordinate the Breakfast at the Block program. He and about 15 other volunteers prepare approximately 60 breakfast trays each Saturday morning, which they deliver to area children. Over a period of six months more than 1,000 breakfasts were served. George enjoys reaching out to children and their parents and finds it very rewarding. He challenges volunteers to “search your heart before committing your volunteer services to ministry. Ask God to help you in this, and then you will know for sure if this work is for you. Remember, you are doing God’s work!”

Mary Jean Curry has been volunteering at Ottawa Grace Manor since October 2002. “I was born at the Grace and worked at the Grace, so it is only natural I would return as a volunteer,” she says. Mary Jane assists the hairdresser by transporting residents, shampooing and taking out rollers. She also conducts tours of the facility and serves on two committees. She is part of a team of dedicated helpers who provide all kinds of needed service. Volunteers assist by serving meals in the dining room, delivering mail, reading to residents and taking them to appointments. They help with recreational events such as gardening, crafts, bowling, parties, even playing musical instruments.
Retired police officer Jim Topham and retired firefighter Bob Plant volunteer at the London, Ont., Centre of Hope, where they do pick-ups and deliveries and provide security for Christmas hamper registration. “People are so appreciative,” they admit, “and it’s great to know that you’re doing something worthwhile. We enjoy the variety of assignments, as well as the good feeling of contributing to the community and giving back some of the blessings that we enjoy.” Their advice to potential volunteers? “Try it. You’ll enjoy it, and feel fulfilled and rewarded for your good deeds.”

Vancouver Harbour Light is fortunate to have Barbara Denham as one of its many caring volunteers. Barbara used to attend the food line and now volunteers there several days a week, scraping plates, serving food, just spending time with the clients. She chats with them as they enjoy their meal. Barbara explains the reason she keeps coming to volunteer: “It’s the biggest help you can give. You get a greater buzz from helping than you do from using.”

These individuals are but a sample of the more than 102,108 volunteers who contribute to growing their community through special events or regular ministry. For more information on volunteering, check out the human resources section of Salvationist.ca. There’s a place for you!

by Major Patricia Tuppenney, Territorial Volunteer Services Secretary, THQ

Reprinted from Salvationist April 2007