The Salvation Army is giving away donuts at the Timms Community Centre on June 2 鈥� and they鈥檙e 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鈥檚 veterans, The Salvation Army plans to give a 鈥渢aste鈥� 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.

鈥淲e don鈥檛 want people to forget the sacrifices made by our veterans,鈥� says Col. Brian Venables of The Salvation Army. 鈥淎nd although this is a small gesture, it is another reminder that they have and still make a commitment to protect us every day.鈥�

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 鈥渢he war to end all wars.鈥�

In their efforts to encourage and assist the troops, they initially offered the same wholesome activities they鈥檇 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鈥檚 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, 鈥淚f you鈥檙e hungry and broke, you can get something to eat at The Salvation Army.鈥�

鈥淏efore 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,鈥� 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, 鈥渨e 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.鈥�