The Estevan Salvation Army will be once again counting on the community’s support for its upcoming Christmas campaign.
The Salvation Army has set a goal of $35,000 for the kettle campaign, and $50,000 for the letter appeal, for a total goal of $85,000.
Last year the Salvation Army’s goal was $95,000, and they received $96,200 through the kettles and the letter appeal. But Salvation Army Major Wilf Harbin said they wanted to lower the objective slightly this year due to the current state of the economy.
“We sat down as a committee, and we know the economy is still struggling a little bit, so we thought we would make a goal that was a little more realistic for us,” Harbin told the Mercury.
The money raised during the campaigns will be used to meet the Salvation Army’s financial needs during the busy Christmas season, and to operate the Family Services division next year.
The mail-outs for the letter campaign were sent in mid-November. The letters include an appeal for donations and an explanation of where the funds will be directed.
A launch for the kettle campaign will be held on Nov. 30 at the Southern Plains Co-op. Kettles will be located at the co-op, the Estevan Shoppers Mall, Walmart, No Frills and the liquor store.
Volunteers are still needed to work the kettles.
“We’re currently looking for groups and businesses,” said Harbin. “It’s a great way for the Estevan Comprehensive School students to get their volunteer hours in. And we’re always looking for individuals, as well to help with the kettles.”
The next few weeks will also be a busy time for the Salvation Army’s food bank. Harbin said they are always looking for donations to be dropped off at the food bank, and the food bank’s shelves are currently in good shape.
“We’re a little more than half full,” said Harbin.
He added the people of Estevan have been very generous towards the food bank and the Salvation Army since he and his wife, Heather, arrived in Estevan in July. Businesses, schools and other groups have held food drives.
Among the benefits for the food bank in the weeks leading up to Christmas will be a visit by the CP Rail Holiday Train on Dec. 16 at around 3 p.m. People who attend are asked to bring a non-perishable donation for the food bank. The Salvation Army will be serving coffee and hot chocolate for the spectators.
This will be the Harbins’ first Christmas campaign since they arrived in Estevan, and they are looking forward to it. They were not directly involved with the campaign in their previous posting in Trail, B.C. Wilf Harbin was involved with the publicity efforts for the campaign, but there was a team in the town that tackled much of the work.
“Now I’m directly involved with Ronza (Raynard), she’s our family services co-ordinator, and I’m looking forward to it,” said Harbin.
The Salvation Army is part of the Warm Welcome shelter program, along with St. Paul’s United Church. The organization also provides emergency shelter for people throughout the year.
Other initiatives funded by the money they receive at Christmas include purchasing fresh foods for the food bank; paying for transportation so that people can receive services in other communities; providing emergency medication; and sending children and families to camps in the summer months.
