YORKTON – At its regular meeting Oct. 27, Yorkton Council was given a presentation on the effort of the local Salvation Army heading into its annual Christmas kettle campaign.
Major Laurie Reilly said to begin they were very pleased Council has volunteered to be with the collection kettles in the past, and that they have agreed to do so again this year.
Reilly said the kettles are a key fundraiser which actually dates back to 1891.
The money raised locally goes to a number of projects including toys for children and food hampers at Christmas, and food for the food bank.
In 2025 some 150 children received toys, and about 300 food hampers were distributed.
“I anticipate it to grow this year,” said Reilly, adding that while applications for Christmas hampers do not close until Nov. 27, they have received 50.
Reilly pointed out that they do service the region which extends from Wadena to the Manitoba border and south to Stockholm and the Qu’Appelle Valley.
Councillor Dustin Brears asked if they reached their goal?
“Last year we were just short a little bit,” said Reilly.
Reilly also told Council the Salvation Army has an active Emergency Disaster Service, with a volunteer team of “about eight people.”
“We get out in the community when we can,” she said, adding they do things like hot chocolate to the parade in addition to serving the homeless or being ready should a disaster occur.
The local service could grow, she added.
They have been offered a food cook truck through the Prairie Region, but only if they have a heated garage which they do not yet have.
“So I’m trying to put the word out (for a garage),” she said.
