ESTEVAN — The Estevan Salvation Army's annual Christmas campaigns, including kettles and mail-outs, wrapped up with overwhelming community support and surpassed the set fundraising goal.
The organization raised $130,000, $5,000 above its $125,000 target. The funds and donations collected will help sustain vital community services, including the food bank, and programs like senior lunches, summer camps and others throughout 2025.
As of the end of the year, the organization was slightly short of the set goal, but thanks to a donation that was stuck in the mail, the goal was officially surpassed early January, said Ronza Reynard, director of ministry for the Salvation Army in Estevan. She noted the campaign's overall success.
While monetary contributions ended up being on par with previous years, the campaign saw a surge in food donations, which will keep the food bank well-stocked for a couple of months.
"Our shelves are so nice and full. Having our shelves so nice and full at this time of the year is awesome," Reynard said.
For the first time in years, the Salvation Army anticipates having enough food supplies to last through March.
"That's usually our goal every Christmas — to get enough food to take us to March. This year, I'm fairly confident we will," she added, noting the generosity of community members, schools, businesses and organizations that contributed to the effort.
Key contributors included the Blow Away Hunger campaign, Sobeys, the Southern Plains Co-op hamper initiative, and local schools and churches, as well as businesses and individuals.
"The whole community is supporting us. And I want people to know that we appreciate the whole community helping us to help others in the community," Reynard said.
The Salvation Army's food bank was a lifeline for thousands in 2024. Over 3,000 individuals accessed its services, including more than 1,000 children. Additionally, 300 people used the food bank for the first time last year.
"Of those new people, some will be consistently accessing the food bank for a while," Reynard explained. "They've made that first step to reach out to us because they find themselves in a situation where they need the extra help."
She emphasized the importance of community awareness about available services, noting "It's great that people are realizing we are here and we can help them."
Reynard acknowledged the logistical challenges of the holiday season, which included filling volunteer shifts for the kettles due to cold and flu season and navigating postal delays.
"The postal strike didn't help, but on the other side of that, we had a lot of our donors walk in," she said. "It was great to meet people face-to-face, say thank you and wish them a Merry Christmas."
The kettle campaign was a key part of the Christmas effort, and Reynard expressed gratitude for the volunteers who made it possible.
"It takes a lot of people, six days a week, to man the kettles. We're very thankful that we have that," she said, emphasizing the importance of community support in making the campaign a success. "We had some new people that signed up and lots of people committed to it. We really appreciate the fact that people want to get out and get the kettles done. In a lot of communities, that's not the case, so we're very thankful that we have that."
Looking ahead, the Estevan Salvation Army plans to continue its staple programs, including the community volunteer income tax program, back-to-school backpack initiative, summer camps and the popular Senior Souper Lunches. The lunch program, held on the first and third Wednesday of each month, offers soup, sandwiches and activities for seniors.
"It's open to any seniors. It's free. We just have soup and a sandwich, a short devotional, and sometimes a game or activity. It's very relaxed, and we have a great group that comes, but we definitely have room for more," Reynard said.
The organization relies heavily on volunteers to maintain its programs and services. Reynard encouraged community members to get involved.
"If you're out there, and you've got some extra time, and you want to volunteer, we're always looking for volunteers," she said. "Come in and see us, and we will set you up with something that you want to do."
As Reynard reflected on the Christmas campaign and the year ahead, she expressed deep gratitude for Estevan's unwavering support.
"The need doesn't change, whether it's Christmas, January or June. The need is still there," she said. "And we're just so appreciative of the community and the support of the Salvation Army and what we're doing."
For more information on how to support the Salvation Army, to inquire about volunteer opportunities or to access the food bank, visit their location on Fourth Street or call them at 306-634-2074.
