The annual Chatham-Kent Salvation Army Christmas campaign saw a nice surge in donations the last week of 2024, but didn’t reach its $550,000 goal.
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Impacted by the month-long Canada Post strike, the agency was sitting at just more than $400,000 a few days before Christmas.
Major Larry Bridger said as of New Year’s Eve, the campaign had collected more than $501,000 in donation, leaving it about $49,000 short of its goal.
Bridger said there may still be some donations in the mail that were sent following the mail strike ending.
The local Salvation Army already had taken cost-cutting measures, having to eliminate four staff positions last year.
“We’re not in terrible shape, but it would still be nice to get some more donations to get us as close to the $550,000 (goal) as possible,” Bridger said.
Noting the agency will monitor its financial situation moving forward, he said, “There are no immediate plans to be changing our services at this point.”
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As far as the four food banks the Salvation Army operates in Chatham, Wallaceburg, Blenheim and Ridgetown, Bridger said, “I don’t see any changes to the assistance we generally give.”
He noted the budget that supports the food banks still has some funds for the current fiscal year that ends March 31.
Bridger said the agency has no other fundraisers planned, adding the Salvation Army is fortunate it receives donations throughout the year.
He noted a couple of food drives organized by the local Knights of Columbus helps greatly in spring and fall. Local grocery stores across Chatham-Kent including No Frills and Real Canadian Superstore along with businesses such as Dollar Tree and Starbucks, as well as area churches, provide great support to the food banks, he said.
Funds received during the Christmas campaign not only helps with food and toy donations given to families in need during the holiday season, the money is used for the agency’s year-round operation.
Bridger said donations are always welcome at any Salvation Army location and debit and credit is accepted the church office at 46 Orangewood Blvd. in Chatham or the Salvation Army Thrift Store at 456 St. Clair St. in Chatham.
More information about the agency is available at www.cksalvationarmy.org.
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