While the local Christmas Kettle and food bank drive for the local Salvation Army program topped the targets, so too did their national campaign, according to information released by the Army from their Toronto headquarters.
This year the Christmas Kettle campaign raised over $22 million, which exceeded their $21 million goal. The local campaign, as reported in last week’s Mercury, netted $36,000 from the kettle collections alone, surpassing the targeted amount of $35,000. The total campaign, including the mail-in and bring-in cash donations amounted to $115,000 which surpassed the local goal of $85,000.
Majors Heather and Wilf Harbin, who were directing their first campaign in Estevan, said it was an impressive community effort.
“We were very busy, with the campaign plus the food bank donations. We weren’t able to pick up a large food donation from the No Frills grocery store until this past week, due to the busy schedule. The grocery stores, like No Frills, Sobeys and Southern Plains Co-op have been generous all year and especially at Christmas, them and their customers,” said Heather Harbin.
With growing demand for services, locally as well as nationally, the Salvation Army will use the additional money to fund much-needed programs in 400 communities.
All the kettle donations remain in the communities in which they are raised, which enables the Army to help vulnerable people, with basic necessities such as food, clothing, shelter and other provisions.
The Army also operates life-changing programs such as substance abuse recovery programs, housing supports, job and skills training, budgeting and education classes, all of which help people find a way out of poverty or difficult circumstances.
“We are truly grateful for the continued support of our donors, volunteers and community partners, which enables us to help struggling Canadians during the Christmas season and throughout the year,” said commissioner Susan McMillan, territorial commander for the Army in Canada and Bermuda.
Hosted by more than 2,000 locations across Canada, including about five in Estevan, the annual Christmas Kettle campaign is the organization’s largest fundraising drive of the year and would not be possible without the thousands of kettle attendants who volunteer their time.
The Army noted significant assistance is provided by a number of corporations, including the food stores and other major franchised outlets. Without their support, said McMillan, the campaign would not be successful. “Their support allows us to raise awareness of our efforts to provide essential services to vulnerable people and provides a convenient way for their generous customers to donate to our work.”
Last year, the Army helped more than 1.85 million people in need.
The Salvation Army is an international Christian organization that began its work in Canada in 1882 and has grown to become the largest non-governmental direct provider of social services in the country. They are now located in more than 125 countries.
