Canadian Latter-day Saints Unite in Service to Remember and Give Back

Latter-day Saints across the country are preparing to volunteer at various community events for Canada’s National Day of Service on September 11, 2025. This federally recognized day of service, established in 2011 on the 10th anniversary of 9/11, encourages citizens to engage in volunteerism and community service, reflecting Canada’s values of resilience, generosity and unity. The day is meant to transform a day of global tragedy into one of national remembrance and civic contribution. It commemorates the 24 Canadians who lost their lives in the 2001 terrorist attacks and pays tribute to the extraordinary acts of compassion shown in their aftermath.

Newsroom staff recently invited Elder M. Travis Wolsey and his wife, Sister Christine Wolsey, to share their thoughts about Canada’s National Day of Service.

Elder Wolsey was named an Area Seventy and a member of the Eleventh Quorum of the Seventy of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints on April 1, 2021. He is responsible for the Vancouver, British Columbia, co-ordinating council in Canada.

Why is it important in times of hardship to reach out with kindness and generosity to others?

Sister Wolsey:

Kindness and generosity matter. We are very grateful that our country sets aside a day to help us pay tribute to those who serve and remind us to look for ways to do good and help others in our local communities.

Elder Wolsey:

Kindness and generosity are characteristics of Jesus Christ. The New Testament disciples were witnesses that “Jesus of Nazareth … went about doing good” (Acts 10:38). As modern disciples of Jesus Christ, we can also learn to love and serve those around us. Jesus invited us to reach out and serve others when he said, “For that which ye have seen me do even that shall ye do” (3 Nephi 27:21).

What kind of events or activities have you attended or participated in to mark Canada’s National Day of Service?

Sister Wolsey:

In British Columbia, each September, we love to participate in the BC Thanksgiving Food Drive. This [type of food drive] started off as a small grassroots endeavour in Alberta and was similarly adopted in British Columbia. Initially, we would drop off grocery bags to neighbours and invite them to fill and leave the bags on their doorstep. Then, on collection day, we would drive through our street and collect the bags, often overflowing. In fact, as neighbours saw us slowly drive by, collecting, and if they had forgotten to fill their bag, they would come running with their contribution!

Elder Wolsey:

As we invited our friends and neighbours to come and serve, they loved the simplicity and fulfillment in “doing good.” This effort currently involves all the stakes in British Columbia and has grown to include major corporate businesses, other faiths and community groups. Each September, we see more than 700,000 pounds of food are added to local food banks, and more than 3,000 community and church volunteers participate.

Why is volunteering or serving in our communities important?

Sister Wolsey:

Community service has provided many opportunities for our family — from helping at local food kitchens, volunteering at local sports events, donating blood for Canadian Blood Services, to volunteering on civic committees and boards. Clearly, the spirit of service goes well beyond September 11, but on that day, we have also expressed gratitude through social media posts, thanking our local first responders, sending a note of thanks to friends and even writing missionaries serving from our stake. Volunteering and community service have become a joyful and memorable part of who we are.

Elder Wolsey:

Volunteerism is vital, regardless of where we live, as there are always local community needs. We can all make a difference when we give back to our communities. Additionally, serving provides each of us a chance to live the two great commandments, which include loving our neighbour.

The New Testament scriptures remind us that our small acts matter. “Lord, when saw we thee an hungered, and fed thee? or thirsty, and gave thee drink? When saw we thee a stranger, and took thee in? or naked, and clothed thee? Or when saw we thee sick, or in prison, and came unto thee? And the King shall answer and say unto them, Verily I say unto you, Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me” (Matthew 25:37–40).

We hope that on this National Day of Service, people will answer Christ’s call to go about doing good.

For local opportunities to serve, check out JustServe.org.