ESTEVAN — As the holiday season approaches, the Estevan Salvation Army is launching a suite of community-centred initiatives to spread festive cheer and lend a helping hand to those in need.
From their annual kettle and letter appeal campaigns to a Holiday Smile Cookie collaboration with Tim Hortons, and the return of the much-loved Teddy Bear Toss, the organization is in full swing for the season of giving.
The Salvation Army's Christmas mail-out is already in progress, with envelopes distributed to households. While there might be potential delays due to the Canada Post strike, community members have other ways to deliver their donations if they want. They can drop them off at the office or at one of the holiday kettles.
This year, the organization has set a combined fundraising target of $125,000 from the mail-outs and kettle campaign, which is the same as last year.
The kettle campaign kicks off Dec. 2 and will run until Christmas Eve. Donations can be made at No Frills and the Southern Plains Co-op Monday through Friday from Dec. 2-24; and at Walmart from Dec. 16-24.
The Salvation Army is actively seeking volunteers to man the kettles, with opportunities available for anyone looking to contribute.
"We still have multiple spots open. We're encouraging those who have the time, maybe high-school students that have volunteer hours, businesses who want to get out in the community and show their support for the Salvation Army, wearing their brand wear, and just to engage in community and help us out with that,” said Ronza Reynard, director of ministry for the local Salvation Army. “We're looking forward to a good season. We've had a few people already calling and inquiring about when they can get on the kettle.”
In a first, the local Salvation Army is the designated charity for Tim Hortons' holiday cookie campaign, running from Nov. 18-24. Half of the proceeds will benefit the Salvation Army’s food bank, while the other half supports Tim Hortons' summer camp program. Volunteers are also needed to help decorate cookies at the Salvation Army office, with finished treats sold at two local Tim Hortons locations.
“We'll be decorating them down here at the Salvation Army Monday to Friday in the afternoon from 1-3. If somebody has some time on their hands and they'd like to volunteer and come down and do some decorating, feel free to give us a call here at the office, and we will find a space for them,” Reynard said.
“And then we're just encouraging people to go out and buy cookies. Who doesn't love cookies? Pick up a box for yourself or for your workmates, or drop them off to somebody and say thank you for all your hard work, show some appreciation to somebody that you've partnered with over the year,” she added.
Another beloved tradition, The Teddy Bear Toss, is set to return on Nov. 23 when the Estevan Bruins will play the Battlefords North Stars at Affinity Place, starting at 7 p.m. Attendees are encouraged to bring their own teddy bears or purchase them at the event to throw onto the ice. Once collected, the bears will be taken to seniors in care homes across the region.
"This is a special tradition for us," said Reynard. "We visit seniors' homes, share a teddy bear, a calendar and a Christmas card. It’s our way of saying Merry Christmas, especially to those who may not have family nearby."
Funds raised through holiday season initiatives will support a range of local programs, including the food bank, children’s backpack initiatives, sending kids to summer camps and others. Reynard emphasized that every dollar raised stays within the community to benefit local programs.
Reynard also reminded the public that anyone planning to apply for a Christmas hamper this year, should do so before Nov. 29.
For more information or to get involved as a volunteer, contact Randy at the Salvation Army office at 306-634-2074.
