Why the Salvation Army?

The Salvation Army has been recognized with the highest level of excellence in ethical fundraising and financial accountability that Canadians can trust.  This international organization has been working in Canada since 1882. Their mandate in 2024 is to help people struggling with addiction, lacking access to basic needs and experiencing hardships. This charity serves 400 communities across our country, and reports helping over 2.7 million people in 2023.

In our “little corner of The Salvation Army world” (Parksville, Qualicum Beach and Bowser), there are many of those 2.7 million that are needing the support from The Salvation Army. What other charity in our area would be able to marshal the resources needed to help so many residents, housed and unhoused, with that kind of assistance? Major Sergii Kachanov and his Army of volunteers are doing that! AND – we are helping enormously by filling the shelves with groceries and donating money that will keep the Food Bank and Soup Kitchen running throughout the year.

I met with Linda Cherewyk, manager of the Food Bank, this past week and she shared with me that 1000 meals were provided last month by the Soup Kitchen, over 400 lunches provided by St Stephens in Qualicum Beach and 700 clients utilized the services of our Food Bank.  That kind of support needs our support!

 

Many thanks to those who have already donated cash and groceries!
The RED on our poster thermometer is rising! Have a look next time you are in the clubhouse!

We put in a number, but we don’t really have a “goal” – whatever the result is – it will be FABULOUS!

NEEDED ON THE SHELF:

There is room for storage, so groceries on the shelf are appreciated – it really helps in the spring and summer when donations from grocery stores are down due to tourism traffic.

  • Canned protein – meat, fish, beans – cans that do not need a can opener really needed!
  • Canned vegetables
  • Instant potatoes
  • Pasta Sauce – smaller tins or bottles please
  • Pasta
  • Powdered milk
  • Cereal
  • Gluten Free products
  • Halloween treats would be a treat!