The need for donations to The Salvation Army is rising now that the holiday season is on its way, says Captain Randy Hale of Fort McMurray, AB.
The Salvation Army across the country has reported a 40% decline in donations in the last 12 months for their food banks and feeding programs.
“In our particular situation, we have a feeding program, which is run both evenings and mornings, and we have experienced reasonable sustainability,” says Hale. “We did have a challenge this summer—seasonally I guess people have the mentality that in the summer it’s probably not as urgent or needed—but the reality is people are hungry 12 months of the year. We had to dip into some of our reserves to carry us through the summer and that will impact our need as we approach the Christmas season. Our annual Christmas campaign will be impacted. I suspect we will be looking to the public for additional support this year.”
Another cost incurred by the local Salvation Army is waste disposal.
“We would ask that residential donors be discerning in what they donate,” says Hale. “Very often we have received items that are not sellable and we have to dispose of those, and that incurs a cost to us. As a result, our available funds to redistribute to our community programs are reduced.
“That significantly impacts our capacity to do services within the community. We certainly appreciate and value the donations that come in.”
This summer the thrift store program received so many donations that dates and times had to be posted as to when certain items could be donated.
“Because of fire codes, our space is drastically limited,” says Hale. “We’re actively seeking a larger space to look at how we can possibly relocate. We are currently at a plateau and we certainly continue to receive donations and have since lifted the restrictions as to when you could donate whatever item.”
Along with the thrift store, The Salvation Army also operates the START program-short for Support Today Achieves Results Tomorrow-which began in 1982 and was one of the first social service programs the Army operated in Fort McMurray.
“The Salvation Army’s START program offers both residential and community access services that deliver service to approximately 40 individuals with developmental disabilities,” says Hale. “We have a wide range of activities, day programs, evening programs, employment support and residential services. We operate four residential homes with 24-7 care.”
The non-profit organization also operates two shelters. One is a transitional bed space with 32 beds for individuals who are new to the community who are looking for work but have nowhere to stay.
“We give them that space for up to 90 days and these individuals are not to be intoxicated or using drugs. They give evidence during their stay that they are sober,” says Hale.
The second shelter is a 30-space mat program.
“We are the only facility in town that accommodates individuals who may be under the influence of alcohol or drugs,” he says. “They are not permitted to bring their drugs or alcohol in, so it’s dry in that regard, but the individuals themselves are high risk so we strive to reduce their harm by providing them a place to stay, particularly out of the cold during the winter.”
The Army also partners with the Fellowship Baptist Church to offer a soup kitchen. The church offers the service Monday to Friday and The Salvation Army operates the soup kitchen on weekends and statutory holidays.
Another service made available by The Army is the community response vehicle. While it is currently not functioning with a full-time staff member for funding reasons, Hale says, in times of community crises or disaster the vehicle is ready for use.
Some of the incidents where the vehicle was used to provide food, clothing and support include the Edgewater Court apartment fire that left 300 people stranded, the RCMPs lockdown of Abasand after a shooting last summer. “Most recently we were on site at the Snye early this summer when there was that drowning accident. We spent time providing practical assistance and spiritual care to families and friends of the victims.”
The Salvation Army’s annual Christmas campaign begins Nov. 21 and will run until Dec. 24.
“We’re OK for now, but we anticipate that as the fall and winter progresses, that increase in demand for services will be a reality,” says Hale. “The donations that will come in at Christmas will be used to assist families not only during Christmastime but the funds will really be a major cushion for us to draw from throughout the year. It’s the only significant fundraising effort that The Salvation Army conducts annually.”
By Ashley Crewe
Reprinted with permission by Fort McMurray Today