Demand For Services Surge Causes Shortfall For Salvation Army; Monetary and Other Donations Sought

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The Salvation Army’s Peterborough Christmas Assistance program claims they are already facing shortfalls due to a surge in demand for their services, with several weeks left of their campaign announced on Wednesday.

The CHristmas Kettle Campaign began outside Lansdowne Place’s food court on Nov. 16. PHOTO COURTESY OF THE SALVATION ARMY PETERBOROUGH TEMPLE.

The non-profit began registering families and individuals two weeks ago and has signed up about 2,000 applicants.

“We're seeing more community service and general applicants,” said Billi Balment, Salvation Army community family services supervisor. “In the past two years, there's been an increase in single people seeking help in the latter half of the program.”

Meeting needs this year has been challenging due to near-full bookings and dwindling resources and funds according to Balment.

“We have a plan for the expected influx but public support is crucial this year more than ever,” she said.

Families visiting The Salvation Army Toy Shop have shown great interest in practical items like hats, mittens, toys and puzzles as stated in a press release.

“We ran out of mittens last Thursday. I bought 200 more, and they were gone by Friday,” Balment said.

Monetary donations continue to come in for the non-profit organization however The Salvation Army says they have slowed compared to the initial surge during the Hope For All Seasons Christmas Appeal. The organization is seeking donations of mittens, games, puzzles, toys for ages nine to 13 and teen toiletry sets.

“There's still time to help,” Balment added. “We have the Christmas parade this weekend where food and toy donations can be made, with volunteers from Country 105 and Move 99.7 and Chemong Home Hardware on hand to collect them and bring them to the church on Saturday.”

Monetary donations can be mailed to 219 Simcoe St., Peterborough, ON, K9H 2H6 or made in person and at kettles across the city. Donations by phone can be made by calling 705-742-4391, ext. 257. Toy and mitten donations are accepted at the church doors on Simcoe Street.

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3 Truckloads Of Toys Collected This Weekend For Toy Drive

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An overwhelming amount of toys took over the hallway of Lansdowne Place on the weekend for the annual Christmas toy drive in support of Salvation Army. Well done Peterborough!

 

[Contributed by PtboCanada's Julie Morris]

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Miracle Broadcast Christmas Toy Drive Takes Place Today

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There are many Christmas Toy Drive Drop-off locations throughout the city again this year. Each one that I've spotted has been over-flowing with toys that will bring smiles to the faces of many children this holiday season. A donation of a new, unwrapped toy is truly appreciated to help support the Salvation Army Christmas Appeal. Brought to you by Energy 99.7 and Country 105, the Annual Miracle Broadcast will take place at Lansdowne Place this Saturday, December 10th.

 

[Contributed by PtboCanada's Julie Morris]

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Jay Scotland Teams Up With Dave Devall For A Great Cause

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Clockwise from left: Graham Hart, Wally Macht, Jay Scotland & Dave Devall

The Salvation Army have been setting up their Christmas Kettle Campaign annually for the past 118 years, with the first kettle in Canada operating from St. John's, Newfoundland in 1906.   

On Saturday (December 18th), CHEX TV's Jay Scotland and Graham Hart, along with former broadcaster Wally Macht and former CTV weatherman Dave Devall, were on hand at Lansdowne Place encouraging donations to one of the many kettles throughout the city.

Many folks gathered and listened to the festive music from The Salvation Army Canadian Brass Band, and placed a donation in the kettle. (You can also donate online.) 


[Words by PtboCanada's Julie Morris; picture by PtboCanada's Evan Holt]

Tip us at tips@ptbocanada.com. Follow us on Twitter @Ptbo_Canada.