Holiday generosity led to record-breaking donations for Nelson’s Salvation Army.
The local chapter took in approximately $105,000 in December during its holiday fundraising push, according to minister Robin Borrows. That’s the most money ever taken in during one month by the charity, and smashes the previous mark of $92,000 donated in December 2016.
“We’re amazed,” said Borrows. “We’re humbled by the support the community has given us, and it’s just going to mean that we’re going to be able to keep going this year with continuing to feed the 1,100 people we serve every month and keep our programs.”
Borrows said the money also helps cover about $20,000 in food hampers the charity gives out during the holidays.
“Of course we have our thrift store that goes year-round that really keeps the machine running, but at Christmas we rely heavily on donations for not just hampers but year-round support.”
The money won’t be used to fund the Salvation Army’s recent renovations to its Vernon Street location. Those costs are covered by the organization’s head office in Vancouver.
Borrows has worked in Nelson for seven years. He said initially his job was to see if the Salvation Army was viable in Nelson.
“Those questions have gone away to the point now where our head office is seeing there’s good support here and they wanted to make sure that continued and our local resources were not hindered by our building issues.”
Donations weren’t just limited to Salvation Army.
Nelson Community Services took in $5,620 in December, which more than doubled the amount of donations from the previous year, according to executive director Rona Park. She said that number is significant for the organization, which does not mount a holiday fundraising campaign.
tyler.harper@nelsonstar.com
Like us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter