As the Salvation Army activities
settle down after the busy
Christmas season, Majors Debbie
and Randy Gatza reflect on
their new posting in Quesnel.
“We have many thank yous to
extend throughout the community.”
The Christmas Kettle campaign
and the Christmas mail
appeal brought in $82,200 for use
on programs and services provided
in Quesnel. Although this is
a tremendous accomplishment,
Randy said the Salvation Army
budget in Quesnel can always
use more donations. So if you
didn’t manage to donate to either
campaign and find yourself able
to, donations are accepted any
time of the year.
Dec. 6 was the annual Santa
Shuffle which added another
$3,000.
“For a town the size of Quesnel,
the Santa Shuffle drew an enthusiastic
group of 46 people,”
Randy said.
“The weather cooperated and
even provided a little Christmas
snow.”
The Salvation Army held their
annual Santa Breakfast at the
Legion on Dec. 17 and fed 130
people of which 70 were children.
“Breakfast was prepared and
serviced by a host of volunteers
from the Legion, Food Bank and
Salvation Army staff,” he said.
“And a special thank you to
the senior couple who did a lot
of the cooking.”
Christmas Dinner, provided
by City Furniture and Ashley
Home Furnishings, was served
at the Warrior’s Song Cafe with
more than 150 people enjoying
a delicious meal and seasonal
fellowship.
“There were families, Salvation
Army clients, working people
and anyone who was looking
to share Christmas Dinner with
others,” Randy said.
The Salvation Army is available
to anyone in need and throughout
the year they offer emergency
assistance in difficult times.
During the cold season they
provide winter wear, including
coats which are cleaned and
sorted, for locals and travellers
who find themselves in need in
Quesnel.
Although, during the month of
December, the Salvation Army
does not offer regular food bank
services, they are available for
emergencies.
“We’d like to offer a big thank
you to the Good Cheer Program
for their huge donation, after
completion of their service, of
Food Bank items.”
Being new to the community,
both Majors Debbie and Randy
Gatza and the entire Salvation
Army staff are in awe of
Quesnel’s generosity.
“The Salvation Army would
like to extend a heartfelt thanks
for the community support this
Christmas season. Whether you
are an enthusiastic volunteer or
a generous donor, it is because
of you that we will be able to
bring hope and restore dignity
to so many. God bless you and
Happy New Year.”