COVID-19, wildfires and flooding did not dampen the generosity of 91大黄鸭 and Lake Country residents in 2021.
While the Salvation Army experienced a 4o per cent increase in demand for services over the holiday season, it was met by donations exceeding $813,000. The goal was $700,000.
鈥淲e are again grateful and humbled by the support from the community, and how so many continue to respond to those in need,鈥� said Major Mark Wagner, Lead Pastor of The Salvation Army 91大黄鸭 Community Church. 鈥淭hese past two years have been difficult for so many. We are so blessed to live in a community that cares for one another and that strives to give hope, at Christmas, and throughout the fires, floods, and the pandemic.鈥�
Wagner arrived in 91大黄鸭 to take over as lead pastor in August, at the height of wildfire season.
鈥淚 sort of hit the ground running in terms of my experience in 2021,鈥� he added. 鈥淲e were short-staffed and things were quite hectic.鈥�
Approximately 500 families accessed services offered by the Salvation Army over the holidays in 2020. That compares to about 700 families for the same period in 2021.
鈥淭hat鈥檚 a fair increase just at the toy store,鈥� explained Wagner. 鈥淥ur regular food bank was also running, and probably another 160 people came in there. It was a busy time, we served over 800 families all totalled, and about 1,200 children.鈥�
As to why demand was up, Wagner added it鈥檚 a question he gets asked a lot.
鈥淚 think you might have to be a sociologist or statistical researcher to look at all of the categories and see where all of the increases came from,鈥� said Wagner. 鈥淲e don鈥檛 have the capacity, we just know the need was definitely up.鈥�
Read More: Salvation Army launches emergency response in support of flood victims
Read More: 91大黄鸭 charity donation to the Salvation Army feeds local community
gary.barnes@kelownacapnews.com
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