The Salvation Army Helps Family Make Christmas Dinner a Little More Special
Since arriving in London, Ont., back in 2006, Bernadette (not her real name) and her husband faced many setbacks when it came to finding employment. For years, they would get by any way they could, dipping into their savings and working odd jobs to survive. Recently, their financial situation got tougher.
“After I lost my job, things started going downhill. Suddenly, there was no income, then you had to pay your bills, and other expenses. We found it harder and harder to make ends meet,” Bernadette shared.
Their financial situation led Bernadette and her husband to get in touch with The Salvation Army in London to get some food assistance. The support they get through this program not only helps them get some extra food each month, but it also makes their Christmas more special.
“After I lost my job, things started going downhill.”
“We get Christmas assistance. It is a blessing. It’s a joy to be able to have a meal with the family.”
Each year, Bernadette enjoys spending the holidays with her family. The Salvation Army’s Christmas food assistance program provides Bernadette with a grocery gift card that allows her to provide a proper meal with treats and desserts.
“We have children and grandchildren; they come and spend Christmas with us. So, these things (food assistance) make a huge impact on our peace of mind,” she said. “The little budget we have saved for the Christmas dinner, and this extra gift card allows us to say, ‘You know what, let’s go buy some chocolates for the kids or add this to the menu. So, I really appreciate the fact that there is a program like this.”
“We get Christmas assistance. It is a blessing. It’s a joy to be able to have a meal with the family.”
With so many families currently experiencing financial hardship, Bernadette finds it reassuring that she can turn to The Salvation Army when in need.
“Times are getting harder, we see people struggling, but we have been so blessed. We feel really blessed to have this support,” she added.
Bernadette is now looking forward to Christmas dinner. She appreciates that she will be sharing a nice festive meal with her family.
The Christmas Kettle Campaign
To ensure everyone in the community has what they need this Christmas, The Salvation Army in London relies on a successful Kettle Campaign to fund their Christmas Assistance programs. Executive Director Nancy Kerr says people interested in volunteering and collecting kettle donations can expect a wonderful experience.
“Our kettle shifts are only two to three hours. For most people, that’s a fairly easy thing to give. Even just one shift makes a big difference. We’re really appreciative of that,” Nancy said.
Setting a great example to the community are some food bank clients, who according to Nancy, have expressed interest in volunteering as a way to give back.
The Salvation Army in London expects to provide Christmas assistance to over 4,000 families this year.
By Juan Romero
