ESTEVAN - The Salvation Army in Estevan reached its goal for its annual pre-Christmas campaigns, enabling it to continue to meet the needs of the community.
Local director of ministry Ronza Reynard said the kettles came in at $24,500, with a goal of $20,000. The letter appeal generated $66,500, with a goal of $70,000. The combined total for the campaigns was $90,000, which was also the goal.
Reynard noted they had a few mail-in donations to come in.
She said the Salvation Army is thankful to those who contributed, either through a monetary donation, food drives or food donations, as well as those who were able to work a kettle shift.
“Without our volunteers we could not do what we do during this busy season,” said Reynard. “Estevan and surrounding communities support the Salvation Army year-round and then at Christmas they do a fabulous job supporting us as the community food bank.”
With these funds the Salvation Army is able to help those who come to them when they are in a situation where they need assistance. They can continue the school lunch program with Westview School.
Donations also help with the seniors’ lunches on the first and third Wednesdays of the month. And the Salvation Army can offer its Back to School backpack program and send children to camp.
“We are excited for the upcoming year, and to see what programs we might be able to offer to the community, and to see ways to improve people's visits to the food bank,” she said.
The food bank’s shelves are also now full thanks to the support in the weeks leading up to Christmas.
The next edition of the Mercury will have more on this story.
