A Mother Aided by The Salvation Army Pays it Forward

Donna and her young daughter were helped by The Salvation Army after a life-changing experience more than 62 years ago.

On a nice summer day, Donna took her three-year-old daughter to a community event. Everything seemed normal and was going according to plan. However, when they returned to their home in Langford, B.C., their residence was up in flames.

“The house was gone. It was burning and I didn’t know what to do,” Donna said.

As she watched her house, she realized that everything they owned would likely be lost.

“The Salvation Army just appeared when I was still looking at the fire.”

“The Salvation Army just appeared when I was still looking at the fire,” she shared.

To this day, Donna doesn’t know how the Army got there so quickly. She said they came almost at the same time as the fire department. At the time, Donna did not know about The Salvation Army.

“I have no idea how they found out,” Donna said.

As soon as members of The Salvation Army arrived, they offered Donna and her daughter a place to stay at a nearby motel. Over the next few weeks, the Army provided them with many things to help them get back on their feet. The assistance Donna received was crucial, as she had no family members living in Langford who could help her.

“I could say they saved my life. I had no clothes. I had nothing. The only thing that was left in my house were the pipes that held up the shower,” Donna said. “They gave us coupons to buy clothes for my daughter and myself. They made sure we had food, and they came almost every day to check if I was okay.”

A couple of months after the fire, Donna found a new place to live. However, she never forgot about the help she received.

“I could say they saved my life. I had no clothes. I had nothing.”

“Since then, I’ve given to The Salvation Army every year,” she shared.

Additionally, Donna has volunteered for the Christmas Kettle Campaign. She is always open to supporting the organization.

“I just like to help The Salvation Army. I want to be there for them because I know they do such good work and there are people out there that need their help.”

By Juan Romero