Out of This World Fundraiser Supports Salvation Army Lunch Program

By: Caroline Franks

The Salvation Army in Pembroke held their first annual “May the Fourth Be with You” fundraiser in support of their Community and Family Services Lunch program.

The fundraiser was a delivery style lunch consisting of Turkey Caesar wraps and potato salad made by Salvation Army staff and volunteers.  Businesses and individuals ordered their lunch and it was delivered to them by volunteers & the staff of MyFM Community Radio.

“There were 180 lunches ordered that day; I was just blown away by all the support from this community, said The Salvation Army Lieutenant Kath Walker. “We raised enough money to cover the cost of our lunch program for a month!”

“We had orders come in from the City of Pembroke, the Pembroke Fire Department and local businesses,” said Lieutenant Walker. “The local radio station MyFM helped promote our fundraiser and deliver the lunches which was wonderful.”

The program which began in 1991 offers lunch to those in need from Tuesday to Friday in The Salvation Army dining hall and offers anyone a nutritious meal.

“Community food programs not only help people stretch their food budgets, but they provide a place to belong and connect with others”, said Lieutenant Walker. “Many of the people who utilize our program live alone and they benefit from coming and sharing in conversation and connecting with friends as they share a meal together.”

In the last two years, The Salvation Army in Pembroke has seen the number of households attend their food bank double.  Around 200 households visit the food bank each month.

“For so many in our community, after paying housing and utility bills there is not much left over for food and that is where our community lunch program and food bank help make ends meet,” said Lieutenant Walker. “We are just so grateful to this community for supporting our fundraiser and we look forward to growing this event next year.”