Caring for Creation: Earth Day in Our Community 

Earth Day reminds us that caring for creation is an ongoing journey.

Earth Day is a time to reflect on how we care for the world around us—and for one another. At The Salvation Army – Surrey Ministries, we see environmental stewardship as an important part of our mission to serve our community with compassion, dignity, and hope. 

Caring for the Earth and caring for people are deeply connected. Environmental challenges such as waste and pollution often impact vulnerable individuals and families the most. That’s why even small, intentional actions can make a meaningful difference in building a healthier and more sustainable community for everyone. 

A clear example of this in practice is through our food distribution services. Through partnerships with local supermarkets (Walmart on 88 Ave. and Prakash's No Frills), we rescue and redistribute food that might otherwise go to waste, ensuring it reaches those who need it most. We are also committed to ensuring that nothing is wasted in the process. Cardboard boxes and paper are recycled, soft and hard plastics are sorted and processed responsibly, and organic waste is composted. 

This commitment to reducing waste extends beyond food and into other areas of our community life. For example, through our Women’s Program, Pink Days has become a meaningful space where participants explore decluttering and intentional living. As the participants learn to sort through clothing and household items, they are encouraged to reflect on what they truly need, what can be shared, and how letting go can create both physical and emotional space. Items that are no longer needed are often donated or repurposed, reinforcing a cycle of care, dignity, and sustainability. 

We also gratefully receive donations of clothing, shoes, and accessories from the wider community, which are then donated to individuals and families who are in need. By giving these items a second life, we not only meet practical needs but also help reduce textile waste and promote a culture of reuse and care.

Beyond this, The Salvation Army Canada upholds environmental stewardship values that encourage the responsible use of resources, the reduction of waste, and care for the natural world as an expression of faith and service. Through initiatives outlined in its environmental stewardship guidance, individuals and ministries alike are invited to take practical steps such as conserving energy, minimizing consumption, and promoting sustainability as part of their everyday mission. 

Our commitment to caring for creation also extends into hands-on community engagement. Recently, we were grateful to partner with the Rotary Club of Surrey for a meaningful fish release initiative. This experience allowed participants to connect directly with local ecosystems, support biodiversity, and reflect on the importance of protecting natural habitats for future generations.

Our 2025 Summer Programs offered meaningful opportunities for children to connect with nature, learn, and grow together. For example, a visit to the Honeybee Centre in Surrey for an educational experience to learn about the vital role pollinators play in our ecosystem, as well as a farm visit to Eagle Acres Dairy at Langley, which provided hands-on learning about agriculture, animals, and sustainable food systems. These experiences helped spark curiosity, deepen environmental awareness, and foster a greater appreciation for the natural world and our responsibility in caring for it. 

As we look ahead, we are excited to build on these experiences in our 2026 Summer Program, continuing to create opportunities for learning, connection, and meaningful engagement with the environment and our community. 

We believe that these everyday efforts—though simple—have a lasting impact. By being mindful of how we use and reuse resources, we contribute to a culture of stewardship that benefits both people and the planet. 

Earth Day reminds us that caring for creation is an ongoing journey. Together, through shared action and purpose, we can help build a future where both people and the planet can thrive. 

We invite you to join us in taking small, practical steps: 

  • Use reusable bags, bottles, and containers  

  • Donate gently used clothing and household items  

  • Reduce food waste by planning meals and sharing excess  

  • Participate in neighborhood clean-ups  

  • Support community gardens and green spaces  

Together, these simple actions help create lasting change—one small step at a time.