As Easter approaches, we remember Jesus’ sacrificial love and the new hope His resurrection brings. At The Salvation Army in Salmon Arm, we are committed to sharing that hope in practical, compassionate ways with our neighbours who are struggling.
One neighbour who found that hope is MJ, a local senior whose life changed suddenly after the loss of her husband and the rising cost of living. When she first came to our food bank, she felt ashamed and uncertain. But what she found was welcome, kindness, and dignity. In her own words, “I was welcomed, not as a destitute senior, but as a person who needed help.”
MJ’s story reflects a broader reality in our community. Last year, 11% of the people we served were over the age of 65—older adults working hard to stretch fixed incomes as food and housing costs continue to rise. And while some seniors come to us for help, many others are among our most dedicated volunteers. In fact, the majority of our volunteers at the Lighthouse are seniors, generously pouring their love, time, and energy into serving others.
This is one of the beautiful truths of our ministry: Those who may need help in one season are often the very people offering hope in another.
The need continues to grow. Here in Salmon Arm, food bank usage increased by 67% in 2025, reaching an unprecedented 11,891 household visits as families, workers, and seniors struggled to afford the basics. The demand is high, and we cannot meet it without the generosity of people like you.
As we enter this sacred season of renewal, I am asking you to help us extend New Hope this Easter to people like MJ, families working hard to stay afloat, and neighbours who simply need a hand up.
Your gift today supports:
- Our choice‑based food bank, offering dignity and access to healthy food
- The café, providing meals, showers, laundry, and community
- Compassionate wraparound supports through programs like Pathway of Hope
- A place where everyone is welcomed without judgment, known by name, and treated with respect
Because of you, someone who walks through our doors this week will feel the same relief, care, and hope that MJ experienced on the day she first visited.
This Easter, will you help us shine the light of Christ’s love by supporting our work here in Salmon Arm?
