While celebrating Christmas was difficult due to the pandemic, Moose Javians still opened their hearts and wallets to support the Salvation Army’s various Christmas campaigns.
Despite the various challenges that COVID-19 posed, the organization is pleased with how successful its festive fundraisers turned out, said Cadet Lester Ward, the Salvation Army’s community services director.
The main fundraiser was the Christmas kettle campaign. While donations throughout the region were down, there was an increase of giving of 10 to 15 per cent in Moose Jaw. Ward did not have final dollar totals yet, but he pointed out the organization raised $60,000 to $65,000 in 2019. Therefore, the Salvation Army could have received $69,000 to $78,750 from residents as part of the 2020 campaign.
The Salvation Army received donations large and small throughout December. One business provided a cheque of $8,000 based on sales volumes for the month, while other individuals and organizations provided donations of $5,000 to $8,000.
“Upon us arriving here in Moose Jaw (in August), we could sense the generosity and giving of the people (who are) just amazing,” said Ward. “Very community-oriented people here. And in the midst of COVID and uncertainties, people really dug deep to ensure that others did not go without this Christmas season … . It’s amazing.”
The Salvation Army distributed 260 food hampers to families over the Christmas break. This was about half the usual number of hampers the organization distributes.
“We were a little surprised,” said Ward, who guessed that families might have been scared to apply due to the pandemic. “However, we anticipate in this month and the future, there will be a greater need for (food) support.”
The organization’s various toy drives brought in 2,200 toys that were given to children as Christmas gifts. Gifts came from the Moose Jaw Warriors’ annual drive, individuals, schools and other organizations. Meanwhile, the stocking fund raised $5,000, which was down compared to 2019.
This was the Wards’ first time managing the Christmas campaigns in Moose Jaw, so it was a different experience, said Ward. He and his wife Almeta had to manage a team of volunteers and follow extensive pandemic guidelines, yet they enjoyed it.
“We’ve had people step up to the plate (to help),” he continued. While some older volunteers stepped back because of the coronavirus, other residents stepped forward to assist where they could. “I can’t say enough — and my wife can’t say enough — about the people in this community: they always rise above and beyond what we can ever imagine.”
While the Wards were nervous before Christmas about how the campaigns would go, they were thrilled with what was provided and how they overcame those uncertainties. Ward felt that God blessed them and the organization’s work.
Reflecting on 2020
The pandemic prevented the Salvation Army from pursuing several projects in 2020, including outreach and youth-focused initiatives. While the Wards were in Moose Jaw for only four months, they were still positive about the results.
“We think we’re heading in the right direction. We continue to reach the people in the community in all the practical ways necessary,” said Ward. “We’re being optimistic. We think there are great things in store for the Salvation Army and the community in terms of what we can do … . By no means are we beaten down by COVID.”
The year ahead
Ward is hopeful that the coronavirus pandemic could evaporate in 2021, which would allow the Salvation Army to pursue more its mission of serving the community and being the hands and feet of Jesus. Yet, regardless of the pandemic, the organization will still minister to people and conduct outreach.
“We’re excited for what’s in store,” he added. “We believe God is going to do great things here.”
