Prior to 2024, it would be a rare occasion for the Salvation Army Peterborough to dish out more than 100 morning meals in one day through its breakfast program.
“Now, on most days, it has become the norm,” JoAnne Leach, the Salvation Army’s Christmas support worker, told kawarthaNOW.
So far this year, Salvation Army Peterborough has experienced a 33 per cent increase in the number of breakfast meals being served compared to the same time period last year. The numbers for September alone were more than double what they were in September 2023.
“With the increased homelessness in our community, we anticipate the numbers for those seeking assistance this Christmas to be up as well,” Leach said. “These are tough times, and we are striving to provide support to those who come to us for help.”
In response, Salvation Army Peterborough is launching its “Hope for All Seasons” campaign to support the breakfast program and its food bank, which is also seeing increased demand.
The Hope for All Seasons campaign is “urgently” calling for donations to sustain the Salvation Army’s mission.
“Our main hope would be to reach or surpass our fundraising goal of $540,000 through our Hope for All Seasons campaign,” Leach said. “The breakfast program we run five mornings a week is totally funded by donations, and with the cost of groceries increasing and the number of people coming to access our food programs, the need for financial support is stronger than ever,” she said.
“For too many individuals and families, basic necessities like food are out of reach.”
Leach said a year ago that the organization reported a 74 per cent increase in the number of people using the food bank during the course of 12 months. Looking back at the last five years, there’s been a steady upward trend.
“We have to plan for a continuation of this upward trend,” she noted.
While Salvation Army has a number of programs offering a hand up for people experiencing hardship in the community, the greatest strain is on the food bank and breakfast program as rising homelessness and significant increases in the cost of groceries seriously affects expenses.
“We need the support we receive from our fundraising efforts to make it happen,” Leach said.
Almost 75 per cent of the organization’s annual budget to support the services provided year-round comes in during the Christmas season through both the Hope for All Seasons fundraising campaign and the Christmas kettle campaign.
Salvation Army Peterborough hopes the $540,000 will be raised through the mailout appeal, and it is aiming to collect $125,000 through the Christmas kettles located throughout the city.
While the familiar round kettle bubble is still available for donations of cash and coins, each kettle stand is also equipped with a Tip Tap machine for people who want to donate using their debit or credit card. Tip Tap options are in $5, $10, and $20 denominations and can be tapped multiple times for donations of higher amounts. There are also cards located at the top of the kettle stand with QR codes for people who prefer to donate online using their phones. Income tax receipts can be arranged for those who request them.
There are also activities happening throughout the season to help with fundraising, Leach noted in a media release.
“One of which is the Teddy Bear Toss, taking place at the Peterborough Petes game on December 5. It is enjoyable for our band to see people walking in with teddy bears of all shapes and sizes while we serenade them with Christmas carols before the game,” she said.
“The great thing is that as a community, we can make a difference. Food and toy drives are great fundraisers for schools, businesses, churches, and even individuals to consider, or they can be creative with their own fundraisers. They can donate money, food, toys, or become volunteers,” Leach said.
“While many who come to our food programs are visible in their suffering, others might be your next-door neighbours, people we know who might be keeping their situation to themselves.”
Those in need of Christmas assistance for food and/or toys can contact the Salvation Army Peterborough by calling 705-742-4391. Appointments for Christmas assistance registration are available now through November 29. Toy and food support pick-up will happen December 10 through 20.
People using the food bank can make appointments. Meanwhile, the breakfast program that offers meals each morning from Monday to Friday is a first-come, first-served event with an expanding lineup, the Salvation Army noted.
Financial donations can be dropped off or sent by mail to 219 Simcoe St., Peterborough, ON, K9H 2H6, or by calling 705-742-4391 ext. 257.
Donations of new, unwrapped toys can be placed in the large bin near Old Navy at Lansdowne Place on Lansdowne Street. They can also be dropped off at The Salvation Army church located at 219 Simcoe St., Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.
Salvation Army Peterborough is also looking for volunteers for the Christmas kettle campaign. According to a media release, with generally five shifts per day per kettle, some days may require up to 30 volunteers as Christmas approaches. Those interested in volunteering can contact volunteer coordinator Brian Lee at brian.lee@salvationarmy.ca or 705-742-4391 ext. 225.
