MOOSE JAW — The Salvation Army is thanking the community for the support it offered during the 2024 Christmas season, as the donations supported in-need residents then and will help people throughout the year.
“This was our first year (in Moose Jaw), and not knowing what to expect, a lot of it, it went relatively smoothly for the most part,” said Maj. Byron Kean. “There’s going to be changes that we’ll make for next year, but those are tweaks and not major changes.
“So, we’re just very happy with how things went and the support we received throughout the Christmas season.”
Overall donations were down 15 per cent compared to 2023 — likely because of the Canada Post strike — but several fundraising initiatives exceeded their targets, Kean said.
The Kettle Campaign raised more than $72,000, which was $2,000 more than the goal and up $16,000 from 2023, he continued. So, that was a great feeling.
“The support from the community (has) been overwhelming for us,” Kean remarked. “The number of volunteer hours, the people helping us with the Christmas activities and being there for us and for the volunteers on the kettles being as close as a phone call, again, it is so very much appreciated … .
“It’s above and beyond (what) we’ve seen in some places.”
The Stocking Campaign that the Moose Jaw Express ran for the Salvation Army charity raised $14,755, just short of the goal — becuase of the Canada Post strike — that was extended earlier in December after reaching the initial goal of $10,000, Kean said. Overall, though, he was pleased with the total.
The Stocking Campaign collected $5,485 during the 2023 season off a goal of $5,000, so the fact the organization doubled the goal this year and collected 47-per-cent more than expected was exciting, he continued.
“It’s something that we appreciate the Express doing on our behalf,” Kean said.
Meanwhile, the community adopted 32 families, up from 16 in 2023. This program sees an individual, business, or charity sponsor a family and attempt to match what the Salvation Army gives, including a gift card for groceries and a present for each adopted child.
The Salvation Army expected to have 25 families, but even with the extra seven, it was still a tremendous success, said Kean. The sponsors demonstrated a spirit of giving, which is what the season is about.
Furthermore, the charity distributed almost 340 food-related gift cards through the hamper program, which meant it helped nearly 1,000 people, including over 300 children who received toys on Christmas Day.
Kean pointed out that 1,000 people is almost three per cent of Moose Jaw’s population. He pointed out that there were likely hundreds — if not thousands — more who used the services of other community agencies at Christmas.
“Every family circumstance is different (and) every individual circumstance is different. And there’s reasons why people are where they are,” he said. “We just do our part to make sure we’re providing as best we can to meet the needs that are brought to our attention.
“And we cannot do that without the assistance of the community in which we live. So we are truly appreciative of everything the people of Moose Jaw (have) provided for us,” the major continued. “Because we don’t only provide assistance at Christmas time, we do it throughout the year.”
The Salvation Army collected over 900 toys and almost 1,800 teddy bears, with Kean joking that they had teddy bears “coming out our ears.” The Teddy Bear Toss was a first for the Keans, with the major saying they required three pick-up trucks to haul away everything.
The charity also provided roughly 600 gift bags to seniors at care homes and assisted-living centres, with these items reminding the older residents that they were appreciated and remembered.
Kean added that the Salvation Army will see more people use its services this year, considering some individuals and families are having trouble handling inflationary increases with things like groceries.
To donate to the Salvation Army, visit .
