The Salvation Army had a highly-successful Christmas season as they exceeded their fundraising goals and handed out many hampers and toys for Christmas.
The season started off with a successful move into a new location.
“We are happy and excited to be able to serve our community better in this new location, located on the corner of Fourth Street and Railway Avenue,” said Jennifer Lorinczy, community ministries coordinator for the Salvation Army in Weyburn.
The Thrift Store as well as Community and Family Services, including the food bank, and the Envision Walk-in counselling are all in the new building.
After the move was completed, the Salvation Army went full speed into Christmas with a number of campaigns and initiatives.
This included the Kettle campaign, the “Blow Away Hunger” campaign, the annual Teddy Bear Toss with the Red Wings, the Adopt-A-Family program, Christmas Hamper program, a visit by the CP Holiday Train, visiting seniors in nursing homes, and the “Pack the Ambulance” drive held by Weyburn EMS, as well as food drives and fundraising initiatives organized by members of the community.
“During the months of November and December, we were able to visit over just over 300 seniors, support 55 Adopt-A-Family program clients, handed out 131 other Christmas Hampers (for a total of 186 hampers going out), and gave away close to 400 toys that were collected throughout the season (Dairy Queen Angel tree and other people dropping off) and from the Toy Run held in September,” said Lorinczy.
Goals of $30,000 was set for the kettle Campaign and $70,000 for the Christmas Appeal Campaign, with the result the kettles raised $38,729 and the Christmas Appeal raised $75,000.
The Salvation Army of Weyburn expressed their gratitude to the community, including thanking all the volunteers who stood at a kettle.
“Without you we would not be successful,” said Lorinczy. “Thank-you to everyone who took the time to organize a food drive or fundraiser and who donated during the season. The Salvation Army is truly blessed to have such great support, thank you for helping us help others.”
