The ‘Sally Ann’ has been serving and working in Nanaimo, and Vancouver Island, for 125 years
The Salvation Army is the largest provider of social services across Canada, outside of government. But for many ordinary Canadians, the closest they come to recognizing the “Sally Ann” is during the organization’s annual fundraising campaign during the Christmas season. That campaign, with its iconic cash pots and ringing bells, has raised funds for many years to support local Salvation Army programs.
The Salvation Army began operating in Canada in 1882. Today, it operates in approximately 400 communities across the country. Just fourteen years after Nanaimo, on Vancouver Island, was itself incorporated, The Salvation Army established its local corps. Five years after that, in 1893, the church was built; it still stands, housing family services and the organization’s meal program. Rob Anderson, the local corps’ community ministries director, told the Nanaimo News Bulletin, “It’s probably one of the oldest buildings downtown still standing.”
Anderson also spoke about what The Salvation Army’s milestone year represents:
“One hundred and twenty-five years. We’ve been working with the city all that time, providing faith and service to the community,” he said. “I don’t think [people] realize all the services we provide. They see us and they know we provide meals, but we also provide emergency shelter, transitional housing, housing for parolees, we refer people to treatment.” (Nanaimo News Bulletin)
People First Radio was at the Nanaimo Salvation Army’s New Hope Centre during the group’s 125th anniversary open house. We share a behind-the-scenes look at the Centre and details about the services and programs offered there.
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Image: Dawne Anderson (envoy and fundraising coordinator) and Rob Anderson (community ministries director) of The Salvation Army’s Nanaimo Corps.
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Shaw TV’s ‘go! Island’: Celebrating 125 years of The Salvation Army in Nanaimo (Apr. 29, 2013)
