~ Tracey Gillies, a regular volunteer with Canadian Disaster Relief
When Samaritan’s Purse responds to a disaster, we rely on volunteers to bring hope to hurting families. They tirelessly mud out flooded basements, clean up hurricane-ravaged yards, sift through ashes to find treasured belongings, and befriend survivors—all in Jesus’ Name.
Do you want to learn more about what it means to be a Canadian Disaster Relief volunteer? Does your church want to be better-equipped to serve in times of need?
If so, you’re invited to an upcoming volunteer training event.
Cost: FREE
Dates and Locations:
September 30: 9 am – 4 pm, Grace Baptist Church, 50 Kirkdale Road, Charlottetown, PEI
October 14: 9 am – 4 pm, Elevation Church Toronto, 1980 Matheson Blvd E, Suite E, Mississauga, ON
November 4: 9 am – 4 pm, Grant Memorial Baptist Church, 877 Wilkes Avenue, Winnipeg, MB
Lunch provided
Individuals and church groups welcome
At this one-day event, we will:
1. Answer the who, what, where, when, and how of volunteering with Samaritan’s Purse
2. Provide resources for interacting with people affected by trauma
3. Discuss ways to be spiritually and emotionally prepared to serve
Please register to confirm your attendance. And we invite you to spread the news! Share this opportunity with church members, friends, and family who also might be interested.
When disaster hits, people often don’t know where to turn. That’s when hundreds of Canadians answered the call in Jesus’ Name. As Samaritan’s Purse prepares for whatever natural disasters might occur this year, we are pausing to celebrate all that God accomplished through this ministry in 2022.
Samaritan’s Purse responds to humanitarian crises with physical aid and a message of spiritual hope. In Canada, our Disaster Relief Units, several tractor trailers outfitted with generators, pumps, hand tools, and safety gear, equip staff and volunteers to share God’s love in a tangible way with Canadians in need.
Volunteers assist uninsured or under-insured homeowners with tasks such as possession recovery, mud-outs (after flooding), ash sifting (after fires), debris removal, roof tarping, and more. Read this article about a day in the life of a Samaritan’s Purse disaster relief volunteer.
Chaplains from our sister organization, the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association, serve alongside Samaritan’s Purse, offering emotional and spiritual support to homeowners and volunteers.
No, anyone can volunteer! We provide all the training that you need, then pair you with trained and experienced leaders to facilitate your volunteer experience.
While we encourage people to participate for at least one full-day to have the opportunity to get to know home-owners and fellow volunteers, anywhere from a half-day to up to a week or two can be a great opportunity.
Yes, we will provide dorm-style accommodations at the host Lighthouse Host Church base for volunteers who have registered online. You may need to bring a pillow, sleeping bag and air mattress or cot (if desired). Everything you need to bring will be outlined in an orientation packet you’ll receive before you depart.
No, Samaritan’s Purse will provide all the tools you need. If you have tools you’d like to bring, please inquire beforehand.
We provide personal protective equipment such as masks, gloves, safety glasses, etc. You will need to bring your own sturdy, closed-toed footwear.
For safety reasons, we recommend that volunteers are over the age of 18. Youth 14-17 require prior permission from us, and must work with a parent or legal guardian.
You are responsible for your own transportation to the disaster response location, and any incidentals during your stay. We take care of the accommodation, food and safety gear for you as you serve.
No. Because of volunteers and donors like you, Samaritan’s Purse can provide services at no cost to the homeowner, assisting them in their ongoing recovery.
~ Jody Price, Fire Chief, Oromocto Fire Department, New Brunswick