Salvation Army kettle campaign donations down in Regina

As the saying goes: it’s often better to give than receive, and as local charities make their final push for donations, some say they’re falling behind.

Willie Fedorus is one of the many volunteers behind the Salvation Army’s kettle campaign.

“It just makes you feel good that you’ve done something towards the people who need it,” Fedorus said.

The annual fundraiser helps those in need. Especially over the holidays, it ensures there’s food on the table and presents under the tree.

“This year we are giving hampers to 1,300 families, not individuals, families in Regina area and so what we’re finding is the need is a little greater than it was last year,” Bruce Mac Kenzie with the Salvation Army said.

The need may be greater, but the campaign is $60,000 shy of its $215,000 goal.

“We are slightly ahead of where we were last year which is fantastic news, but our campaign is one day shorter” Mac Kenzie said.

Still, Mac Kenzie said it has been a difficult year for businesses, industries and people financially.

“That has a double-whammy effect,” he said. “At the same time people and businesses have maybe less discretionary income to donate but the need is still there and in fact higher.”

If it weren’t for an increase in volunteers this year, Mac Kenzie adds they wouldn’t be able to help as many people, like Tina Jones who has three young children at home.

“I’m on mat leave right now so I live on basically nothing and my dad passed away at the beginning of the year so most of my money went to helping my mom with the funeral so this is a saving grace for us,” Jones said.

“When you see the joy on the faces both from the giver and the receiver and you realize your part of that catalyst for change, it’s incredible,” volunteer Nicole Pivovar said.

Fedorus agrees, a reminder that often the best gift someone can give is their time.

“I’m going to do it as long as I can, I’m 75 now and I’m going to carry on as long as I can,” he said.