Canada

With hockey cancelled during the pandemic and being homeschooled, 11-year-old Payton went to The Salvation Army food bank to help unload the weekly food deliveries. At first, these trips were a break from being at home. Eventually, volunteering turned into something much more meaningful and life changing as Payton came to understand the impact volunteers like him have in the community. “I didn’t know there were so many people where I live who needed help getting something to eat, and the food bank makes that possible,” he said. “It’s not just unloading a truck. I get the chance every week to help people who are in need.”

Surfside, FL

Emergency Disaster Services (EDS) personnel were on site in the hours and days following the tragic collapse of the residential building in June that exacted a high toll in death and destruction. During the search and rescue operation, EDS provided support to the Surfside community and first responders. Support included helping families arrange for transportation to and from the Miami area and distributing of food and beverages to first responders stationed at checkpoints. Plans for long-term assistance were to be enacted as needed.  

San Francisco, CA

The Army in San Francisco celebrated the first milestone in its initiative to mitigate homelessness in the city by the Bay. In collaboration with the San Francisco Department of Public Health, PRC/Baker Places and Tipping Point Community, a new psychiatric respite center is now open at the Mission Corps. The location will provide a much-needed place for people experiencing the combination of homelessness, mental health issues and substance use disorders to rest and get connected to care.

Burkina Faso

The Army in Burkina Faso is working alongside the government to support families displaced following a terrorist attack earlier this year on the northern village of Solhan. At least 160 people were killed in what President Roch Kabore described as a “barbaric” attack. As an initial effort, funds have been made available through Salvation Army International Headquarters to provide food and essential hygiene items to 2,000 families.

Zambia

The Salvation Army’s Ndola farm in Zambia is rooted in Christian principles, sharing the word of God throughout the community. The employment percentage is very low in Zambia, so the Ndola farm creates employment opportunities and empowerment. The farm employs community members with a focus on training. The farmers use their training and practice skills at home, and, in doing so, they provide food for their families. The produce and livestock from the farm support local families and generate income.  

Samoa

The Army in Samoa was proud to support World No Tobacco Day. The Samoa Cancer Society initiated “Cigarette Butt Clean Up Day.” A team of volunteers met to pick up butts from the Apia town center area.

Mozambique

The Army in Mozambique is assisting families fleeing their homes in the north of the country after the latest round of violence in Cabo-Delgado Province, specifically in the coastal town of Palma. Government figures indicate 10,000 people have now fled Palma after the latest attacks in late March. Lt. Delfina Zualo, the Army’s assistant project officer in Mozambique, said the Army had helped more than 300 hungry families with food and soap. “Each family received 25kg of rice, 5kg of beans, two liters of cooking oil and five bars of soap,” she said.

Canberra, Australia 

After 32 years of collecting donations for The Salvation Army, Alan Jessop retired at 90 years old. Over the years, Jessop became an icon in Canberra. He raised more than $4 million for the Army, was named the Australia Capital Territory Local Hero of the Year in 2011 and had his portrait painted in 2013 to commemorate Canberra’s centenary. He has overcome two heart attacks and manages prostate cancer; yet three days every week he would wake at 4:30 a.m., take up his post and collect for people who needed it the most.