The Salvation Army's Services In Jeopardy With $88,000 Shortfall of Fundraising Goal

The Salvation Army Peterborough has an $88,000 fundraising shortfall to continue supporting services this year.

Photo courtesy of the Salvation Army in Peterborough.

According to a press release, Christmas fundraising determines the budget for the following year through their upcoming Hope for All Seasons Christmas Appeal campaign. The organization raised only $582,000 of the $670,000 needed to meet expected demand. By year's end, the Breakfast Program alone will have served 26,000 meals as resources have been stretched thin according to Major Naomi Dalley, supervisor of the social services program.

“We had to find creative solutions to ensure everyone received something,” she said. “It has been a hard year.”

The Salvation Army also opened a local shelter temporarily, which they state has added pressure for additional funding. Though repairs are complete and the shelter has reopened, some clients turned to The Salvation Army for help during the closure.

“Whenever a local resource centre experiences a setback, we experience part of the ripple effect,” says Dalley.

This year, the fundraising goal is $675,000 to meet the projected demand for services.

The budget includes funding for the Christmas Assistance Program. It provides grocery cards and toys for children; the Breakfast Program, which serves hot morning meals; and the food bank. Funds also support emergency assistance, which offers financial relief for rent, utilities and medical costs for those in urgent need; a trustee program, which helps clients budget; and criminal justice services, which helps clients meet restitution requirements and supports those leaving correctional institutions as they reintegrate into society.

“The $88,000 shortfall hit hard and we still have a couple of months to go,” said Dalley. “Every donation helps us continue providing essential services to people who need them.”

Christmas kettles will be available starting Nov. 12 at locations throughout Peterborough. A kettle will also be available during the Peterborough Petes’ Teddy Bear Toss game on Dec. 10. Donations can also be made online.

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