Truro, N.S. - At 24, Sharon Hughes underwent her first of four open-heart surgeries. During the operation she suffered a stroke that left her speech and mobility impaired.

"I couldn't talk or walk well for six months," says Hughes. "I volunteered at church with the kids. They were part of my healing and I was grateful to be alive."

She has volunteered with The Salvation Army on a number of levels for over 35 years now. Closest to her heart is her time with children. She helps at the regular Power Hour after-school program for ages four to 12 and is a counsellor at The Salvation Army Scotian Glen camp.