As it faces a significant shortfall during its annual holiday fundraising campaign, The Salvation Army Peterborough is asking the community to help.
The non-profit charity says it’s $150,000 short of its $675,000 goal through the “Hope for all Seasons” and kettle campaigns.
With the organization raising 75 per cent of the total operating budget for its community and family services offerings over the holidays, the current shortfall will severely limit The Salvation Army Peterborough’s services to the community in 2026.
“Our community is suffering,” pastor Mark Dalley told kawarthaNOW. “We can turn away from those hurting, judging them for their choices and the circumstances they find themselves in, or we can offer love and grace — the same things we want others to offer us when we go through difficult times.”
Since the beginning of December, The Salvation Army Peterborough has helped more than 2,000 families receive Christmas hampers with the community’s support. However, the need continues to rise in Peterborough. In 2025, the organization saw an increase of 15 per cent in those accessing its services.
“Our sincerest desire is that every member of the community would partner with us to help us meet the needs, and for us to come together as family this Christmas in Peterborough,” Dalley said. “If everyone in Peterborough was to give just $2 each between now and New Year’s, we would not only meet but surpass our fundraising goal.”
Dalley mentioned the organization’s breakfast program as an example of the suffering being experienced, with another increase in 2025 in the numbers of people attending the program.
“Unfortunately, this increase is not new — we have seen at least a 10 per cent increase every year since 2020,” he noted. “It used to be only that those coming for breakfast were the homeless of our community, but not anymore. Today we are also seeing families and students struggling to make ends meet, coming to get something to eat before heading off to school and work.”
“With our numbers climbing and the cost of food increasing, it has been difficult for us to meet these needs. Yet, we have hope.”
Dalley said the Peterborough community has always responded when The Salvation Army Peterborough has needed support.
“They have given generously through volunteer service and financial contributions,” he said. “We believe that if they knew how deep our need is this Christmas, they would rally behind us once again. We need their help.”
“That is what is at the top of our Christmas wish list this year: to see lives transformed, addictions healed, and children surrounded by the love and hope of their community.”
Donations can be made by stopping one of the Salvation Army Peterborough’s Christmas kettles in the community, dropping by its offices on Simcoe Street, or by mailing a cheque to The Salvation Army Peterborough, 219 Simcoe St., Peterborough ON, K9H 2H6.
Credit card donations can also be made by phone by calling 705-743-313 ext. 257. Leave a message for a call back.
The Salvation Army Peterborough has been serving the local community since 1885, providing practical assistance and compassionate care to individuals and families in need. Through programs such as the food bank, breakfast program, emergency support, and seasonal assistance, the organization works year-round with the goal of offering hope and dignity to all.
