Safeway customers have been generous with donations to the Quesnel Salvation Army.
On Friday, May 6, the Salvation Army accepted several donations totaling more than $7,000.
Two of the donations consisted of envelopes containing $990 in gift cards from customers who agreed to make a two-dollar donation to the local food bank.
“Every time it gets over $300, Sobeys Corporate sends gift cards that they give to the Salvation Army,” said Gloria Moskalyk, Quesnel Safeway general manager.
“Probably once every two months, I’ll get $300 or $400 in gift cards to give them, and those are just people at the till who go I’ll donate today.”
The third donation of over $6,300 was provided to the Quesnel Salvation Army through funds collected at the tills from customers over several weeks in December.
Read More: Quesnel Salvation Army gets boost from Safeway customers
Salvation Army officer and pastor Randy Gatza said the donations would help offset their operational costs and help them to buy food and other necessities.
“It’s been busy over the last two years,” Gatza said.
The COVID-19 pandemic resulted in the closure of the Salvation Army’s dining room facilities at the Warrior’s Song Café. Ready-to-go lunches continue to be served at the door, and it is hoped the dining room and kitchen area will re-open soon.
Gatza said they are working to hire a new family services worker. He will be leaving the Quesnel Salvation Army with his spouse, Debbie, at the end of June for Cornwall, Ont.
As well as collecting customer donations to the Salvation Army, Quesnel Safeway participates in a food rescue program.
Food after the sell-by-date that cannot be sold but is still safe to eat is listed in an app that not-for-profit organizations can claim and pick up.
“It’s huge for landfill waste as far as I’m concerned, and it’s nice to know that somebody who needs it is getting it,” Moskalyk said.
Read More: Quesnel Salvation Army receives boost from Save-On-Foods
Do you have something to add to this story, or something else we should report on? Email: rebecca.dyok@quesnelobserver.com
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