Kiwanis raise $100k for Salvation Army

by Ontario Communications
Categories: Divisional News
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Kiwanis member and local comedian John Lewis, right, announces the total donations collected during the 64th annual Kiwanis luncheon in support of the Salvation Army. Through auctions, raffles and donations community members donated a total of $102,500 in just a few hours for the local Salvation Army. At far left is Maj. Vaden Vincent of the local Salvation Army.Emily Mountney-Lessard/The IntelligencerTRENTON – Master comedian John Lewis was at his best, but community generosity was even better.

Friday’s 64th annual Trenton Kiwanis Club Salvation Army raised $102,500 in just under three hours.

“I’m not a very good public speaker… I’m working hard up here, harder than Jian Ghomeshi trying to get a date on New Year’s eve,” said Lewis. “I don’t know how many of you here have been to this luncheon before, but it’s a bit like a medium security prison talent show, or a Rotarian Club Valentine’s dance, except it’s a lot more fun. Our job here is to lighten your wallets as much as possible for people who are not as fortunate as us.”

Salvation Army Maj. Vaden Vincent described the event as remarkable.

“I’m amazed. I’ve never seen anything like this,” said Vincent. “This donation allows us to run our family services program in Trenton.”

Thanks in part to the proceeds from the luncheon, Vincent said the Salvation Army is able to help more than 500 families at Christmas and run its emergency food bank.  Read More