The Salvation Army is giving away donuts at the Timms Community Centre on June 2 — and they’re doing it to commemorate the sacrifices made by both men and women during the First World War.
This year marks the 100th Anniversary of The Salvation Army Doughnut Lassies courageously serving soldiers on the frontlines in France.
In recognition of their commitment and in honour of Canada’s veterans, The Salvation Army plans to give a “taste” of the compassion, hope and joy that servicemen and women experienced so long ago.
So, during the noon hour rush, Krispy Kreme doughnuts will be handed out to visitors to the Timms Community Centre.
“We don’t want people to forget the sacrifices made by our veterans,” says Col. Brian Venables of The Salvation Army. “And although this is a small gesture, it is another reminder that they have and still make a commitment to protect us every day.”
What: Free donuts
When: Friday, June 2 from 12 to 1 p.m.
Where: Timms Community Centre
The Salvation Army Doughnut Lassies
Here is the story of the Doughnut Girls, who fried doughnuts and dodged bombs on the front lines of the First World War
In 1917, Salvation Army officers and volunteers were sent to France to aid soldiers fighting in “the war to end all wars.”
In their efforts to encourage and assist the troops, they initially offered the same wholesome activities they’d provided at home; religious services, the playing of music, and serving hot cocoa and fudge.
Following 36 dreadful days of steady rain on the front, two young Salvation Army women decided that what the demoralized troops needed was something that reminded them of the sweetness of home.
They quickly got to work and gathered excess rations for dough and shell casings for makeshift rolling pins. They filled a soldier’s helmet with lard and fried braided crullers. The doughnuts were simple in flavor made with only a handful of ingredients but instantly became a hit. The gloriously fragrant smell of frying doughnuts drew the soldiers in and word went out, “If you’re hungry and broke, you can get something to eat at The Salvation Army.”
“Before the war I felt that the Salvation Army was composed of a well-meaning lot of cranks. Now what help I can give them is theirs,” wrote Theodore Roosevelt Jr., son of the former U.S. president, after serving in France.
About The Salvation Army Gateway of Hope
The Gateway of Hope is a multi-program residential facility, as well as a homeless shelter.
The facility provides a broad range of services and programs and, according to The Salvation Army, “we seek to come alongside those in need, for the purposes of offering help, dignity and giving hope. Our doors are open to all who come to us.”