From Nov. 17 to Dec. 24, Coasters came through with enough coins and bills to fill dozens of Salvation Army Christmas kettles, bringing in more than $57,000 for the non-profit organization.
That money, plus a little more raised through a letter campaign, will fill the Sunshine Coast Salvation Army's budget requirements for 2012.
"We are close to our budget of $60,000," local Salvation Army major Sandra Rowsell said, noting some donations are still coming in.
The $60,000 budget is stretched far on the Coast. In 2011 there were more than 4,050 visits to the Salvation Army's hot lunch program, 11,272 visits to their bread and produce program and about 1,800 visits to their food bank.
On top of providing food for those in need, the local Salvation Army gave out $3,500 worth of material assistance for things like clothing, furniture or household items in 2011.
The group sponsors kids for camp, hosts a Christmas dinner for the community, oversees the operations of the emergency weather shelter, refers clients to pro bono lawyers and offers crisis, spiritual and financial counselling.
The Salvation Army's mission is to share the love of Jesus Christ, meet human needs and be a transforming influence in communities.
Many Coasters supported that mission over the holidays either with their cash donation or their volunteer time to man the kettles. In total, more than 250 volunteers, most of them non-members of the Salvation Army, gave their time to the important campaign.
Rowsell thanks everyone who gave to support the Salvation Army in 2011.
"We appreciate everything that our community does for us and we wouldn't be able to do any of this without their help and their support," Rowsell said.
The Salvation Army is still welcoming donations. You can mail your donation to the Salvation Army at Box 1625, Gibsons B.C., V0N 1V0 or drop by their office with your gift at #5 - 682 Gibsons Way.
See www.tsaonthecoast.com for more.
