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“It’s an exciting program to have,” said Ronza Reynard, the director of ministry for the Salvation Army in Estevan. “It’s different. I’ve seen it done in other Salvation Armies, and thought why not in Estevan?” The Salvation Army reached out to the different schools to see if any thought there was a need in the school for this type of program. “We’re excited that Westview came and said ‘Yes, this is something our students could use,’ and so we’ve been in the process of making it happen.” The program launched May 3. There were some kinks to work out, but it’s good to know that there will be a lunch ready for the students each day.
But meals haven’t always been its focus. Warm Welcome started in 2012 as a shelter, providing a place to stay for the homeless in the community during the winter months. Not only was it a refuge for those who couldn’t afford a place to live, but it was a needed service for those who came to the community to work but couldn’t find a home at a time when Estevan had no available rental properties. But in the fall of 2017, Warm Welcome pivoted, and switched its shelter to a community kitchen, where people come to enjoy a hot meal and fellowship.
Kettles raised $26,300. The goal was $20,000. The kettle campaign ran from Dec. 2-24, and kettles were once again set up at the Southern Plains Co-op, Walmart, Clifton’s No Frills, the Estevan Market Mall and the government liquor store, although they had reduced hours from previous years. Supporters could make donations beyond cash or cheque this year. The letter appeal generated $75,100. The goal was $60,000. A few cheques have been coming in this week to add to the total. Money raised from the kettles and the letter appeal will go to support the Salvation Army’s different initiatives in the community. “We want to thank the volunteers who participated in either standing at a kettle or sending in monetary donations,” said Ronza Reynard, the community ministries director for the Salvation Army in Estevan. “We are always amazed at what a generous community that we serve in. Estevan and surrounding communities continue to step up and help their neighbours.”
The association filled nearly 400 hampers this fall for people in the community. People have been dropping by the Estevan Salvation Army from Dec. 21-23 to pick up their hamper, which will help them have the food they need for Christmas. “The Salvation Army was gracious enough to let us use their church area, because we have to do the two-car delivery. And then we don’t have to do the stairs,” said Char Seeman, who co-chairs the Community Hamper Association alongside Heather Woodhouse. The number of hampers that they filled was similar to what they expected. And it’s thanks to the support of people in Estevan and area that they were able to meet the needs of the community.