What’s Happening: Moncton CFS

Like many Salvation Army centres at Christmastime, Moncton Community and Family Services was a hub of activity throughout the season. Residents of Moncton were just as busy stopping by kettles in the New Brunswick city, as the annual Christmas campaign was a smashing success, surpassing its goal by nearly $15,000. This money will continue to benefit the community all year-round.

Here’s a look a just a few of the things happening in Moncton lately:

— The 2nd Annual Stuff-a-Bus Toy Drive was a huge success collecting over 1,200 toys and almost $500 for The Salvation Army Christmas Aid Program in Moncton. This was a partnership between local radio stations C103/XL96 and Codiac Transit.

— 11-year-old Brooklyn Chapman collected money throughout the fall to buy gifts for teens in need this Christmas and provided about $400 worth of stocking stuffers/giftcards and clothing for teen boys and girls. This is Brooklyn’s 2nd year making a difference. After taking in a self-esteem program for girls at Moncton CFS, she realized more about what The Salvation Army does and having a desire to help others, she has put her efforts into helping other kids less fortunate than herself.

— Moncton CFS began providing a monthly men’s breakfast back in June averaging about 20 men, mostly homeless or in transition, and this month they were treated them to a special Christmas Breakfast at local family restaurant The Homestead. “Staff at the Homestead reserved us a room and provided us with a wonderful spread and warm hospitality,” Natasha Burkett, Director of Moncton CFS, said.

— The local Quilters Guild has graciously been providing free Quilting lessons to a group of 8-10 women at Moncton CFS. They finished up their quilted masterpieces just in time to make for perfectly warm Christmas gifts.

— Hamper distribution day in Moncton was a huge success with the help of several volunteers, our local Trailer Wizard (who donated their refrigerated truck to house turkeys) and other community supporters. Moncton CFS provided hampers to just over 1,000 children and over 400 families. Pictured at right, Capt. Leigh Ryan with the team from Lakeview Manor during hamper distribution day.

— Moncton CFS provided almost 1,000 cups of free hot chocolate to Greater Moncton residents during the annual Santa Claus parade. Just a great opportunity to provide a cup of Christmas Cheer!

— Finally, Members of the Northern Region Fellowship Band joined the Moncton Corps band to provide yuletide entertainment on opening night of the 24th Annual Turner’s Christmas at the Moncton Coliseum. Turner’s is a Festival of crafts, specialty foods, art and sntiques, held one weekend each year at the Moncton Coliseum Complex. The event attracts over 400 exhibitors and an attendance of over 30,000, and is home to one of the Moncton CFS Christmas Kettles.