MOOSE JAW — As part of its year-round campaign to support individuals and families through local partnerships, the Salvation Army of Moose Jaw needs your help as it embarks on several charitable community projects this holiday season.
“The Salvation Army has always been out front in helping people and providing for families… in need,” announced Major Byron Kean, the corps officer for the Salvation Army in Moose Jaw.
“If individuals were to do it on their own, there’s a limited amount that they can do. When they donate to the Salvation Army, it enables us to have a broader spectrum of help… and it allows us the opportunity to meet a greater need in the community.”
Kettle Campaign
“The kettle campaign helps us provide Christmas help to families and individuals that are in need. It also provides us with the funds (needed) to operate programming throughout the year,” Major Kean announced.
Collection kettles will appear on Friday, Nov. 22, and the campaign concludes on the afternoon of Tuesday, Dec. 24. All proceeds stay local, Kean confirmed.
The six confirmed locations include Superstore, Sobey’s Liquor, the Town ‘N’ Country Mall, the Moose Jaw Co-op, Safeway, and South Hill Fine Foods. Walmart has yet to confirm its participation.
Volunteers are still needed for the campaign and anyone can volunteer by calling 306-692-5899 or 306-693-7540.
Adopt-A-Family
The Salvation Army supported around 20 local families in 2023 and Kean hopes to build on its success this fall. Any individual, business, or charitable organization can apply with a Friday, Dec. 6 deadline.
“We pair a family with the individual, business, or organization that’s adopting (them) and they’ll tell us what size of family they want (to sponsor), what age of children… (and they) would then provide us with the items that would go to the family,” Major Kean explained.
At minimum, sponsors are asked to match the Salvation Army’s own donation including a gift card for groceries and a Christmas present for each adopted child.
Donations will be accepted for the affiliated Christmas Hamper campaign from Monday, Nov. 18 until Friday, Dec. 6.
For more information, contact family service co-ordinator Tammi Pinay-Ross at 306-692-5899 or by email at [email protected]. Donations can also be dropped off in person at the Salvation Army Thrift Store at 175 First Avenue Northeast.
Additional help
On Friday, Dec. 6, the Teddy Bear Toss will take place during the scheduled Moose Jaw Warriors hockey game, and from Dec. 5 to 7, the Salvation Army will support the toy drive held at Canadian Tire.
In partnership with the Rotary Clubs of Moose Jaw, the Salvation Army will support the Christmas Carol Festival scheduled for Monday, Dec. 9 and Tuesday, Dec. 10 at Zion United Church.
Residents from low income households can apply to the Christmas assistance program by contacting the Salvation Army until Friday, Dec. 6. Required documents include proof of income, address, and identification for each member of the household.
The annual Stocking Campaign will kick off on Wednesday, Nov. 27. Look for further details — including donation envelopes — in the next edition of the Moose Jaw Express paper.
Major Kean concluded with a message of thanks for all those who help support the Salvation Army.
“It’s all about partnerships,” he said. “Yes, we’re the ones on the front lines doing it… but at the same time, we acknowledge that we would not be able to do what we do without the support of individuals, organizations, and businesses in Moose Jaw.”
The Salvation Army Thrift Store is located at 175 First Avenue Northeast and can be reached at 306-692-5899.
For more information visit SalvationArmyMooseJaw.ca or ‘The Salvation Army in Moose Jaw’ on Facebook.
