Volunteering

Introductory Essay

Volunteering was an integral part of the “total war” Canadians experienced during the First and Second World Wars, offering civilians a meaningful and practical way to contribute to the national war…

A shipment of cigarettes

Cigarettes could be ordered direct from the manufacturer in Canada and shipped to a soldier overseas for just $1 per 300 cigarettes, or $2.50 per thousand.

Comforts for soldiers

During the First World War, the YMCA was a major supplier of comforts to soldiers, which were often distributed through huts like this one, at the large Canadian camp at Witley, in the south of England.

Speed the Victory!

Every imaginable device, such as this ink blotter, was used to promote the sale of Victory Bonds during the Second World War.

Red Triangle Tours of London

The YMCA offered sightseeing tours of London to Canadians in uniform through its Beaver Hut in The Strand.

YMCA.pdf (144.95 KB)

Knights of Columbus Hotel, London

The Knights of Columbus was one of the many organizations that offered accommodations to servicemen and women on leave during the Second World War. The note on the back reads: "Dear Mother: Got a nice room here for the week-end after arriving in London at 8 o'clock yesterday morning from Glasgow. Love, Bill."

Canadians Awake! Our Land's At Stake!

Franked in 1941 with the distinctive "V for Victory" postmark, this commemorative cover was auctioned to raise money for British war victims.

Salvation Army Hotel for Soldiers, London

During the Second World War, the Salvation Army operated dozens of rest facilities for Canadians in uniform, like this one in London's former West Central Hotel.

War Savings Stamps at Christmas

This Christmas card, produced by the federal government during the Second World War, was intended to make it easy for Canadians to support the war effort through War Savings Stamps.

xmascardstamps.pdf (1.94 MB)

“Muggins” the fund-raising dog

“Muggins” collected over $6000 for the Canadian Red Cross Society in Victoria, British Columbia, during the First World War.

The Save a Soldier Fund for convalescents

The Save a Soldier Fund in Hamilton, Ontario, awarded this certificate in 1916 to recognize donations to provide comforts for convalescing Canadian soldiers.