Salvation Army an essential service

In early December, I pulled in to the Salvation Army store on Montreal Road to drop off some winter clothes. As I was parking, I noticed an Ottawa police cruiser in the parking lot.

The officer got out of her cruiser, walked into the store and returned quickly with a mask. She handed a young man in her back seat the mask, then escorted him to the entrance. He only had a T-shirt and jeans on. He looked lost, but remembered to thank the officer for her kindness. I entered the store at the same time. Curious, I lingered.

The officer spoke to a woman who worked at the store. Her name was Dawn. The young man introduced himself — I'll call him Joseph. Dawn walked beside him and said, “Joseph, why don't we go look for a warm coat for you? And afterwards, some socks and winter boots. I think we have some in your size.”

Dawn and the officer didn't judge or ask how this young man didn't have a coat or winter boots when it was -5 C outside. They offered him kindness and respect. I was honoured to hear and see this interaction.

For those of us with so much, and for those who decide what essential services are during this pandemic, it is a shame to close down the Salvation Army and Saint Vincent de Paul stores. These stores are not just for those lucky enough to get thrifty deals. They offer services that are essential to those without winter coats and boots. I plead for public servants who make these decisions to make better ones.

Paige Raymond Kovach, Ottawa