Things worked out pretty well for the Salvation Army this past holiday season, all things considered. One Grinch-y glitch didn't stop them from a successful outcome.
The Christmas Kettle campaign brought in $275,432 from generous donors in three communities. This figure went above its target of $250,000 and Pastor Jason Guy is pleased about the results.
"That's awesome!" he said. "The people of St. Albert [and Spruce Grove and Stony Plain] were really good at helping us out, making sure that people trust us and that we are meeting a need in the community."
Even with a misplaced delivery of toys that was originally thought to be a theft, the local church ended up surpassing its fundraising goal.
"I think overall, there wasn't a big impact. People realized it was an honest mistake."
In the end, more than 400 toys were delivered to local children in need. Its Coats for Kids campaign helped out 168 children with winter wear.
Guy was thrilled with the response from volunteers also who covered about 90 per cent of the kettle shifts.
"It was a really good year all around."
He ended with one final message about how the church is always there to help, not just at Christmas.
"Our office is always open all year long. We know that need knows no season. If people are in need, please contact us."
The church is located at 165 Liberton Dr. You can call them at 780-458-1937.
Boy Scouts bottle drive on Saturday
The 13th St Albert Venturer troop is hoping to cash in your empties to send a few good young men and women to this summer's international jamboree in Sweden.
Advisor Lorne Tkachuk, who was a scout as a child, is a strong believer in the program and the drive itself that teaches the 14- to 17-year-old youths about taking control and being a leader.
"At this age, they're somewhat more independent and supposed to be doing everything themselves. It teaches them how to organize and plan things for adult life and how to manage a group."
Anyone interested in donating to the drive should bag their bottles with the recently delivered flyer attached to it. Please have your donations out on your doorstep by 9 a.m. on Saturday.
