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Lt. Derek Kerr and his wife went to the Salvation Army for help 13 years ago.
They were recipients of the Adopt-a-Family program back then. Now, Kerr works for the Salvation Army himself.
“This program has a special place in our hearts and we’ve seen firsthand how people who donate their time and their gifts and offer generosity to families at Christmas affected us personally,” Kerr said.
He said the food and other items they received as part of being sponsored through the program were hugely appreciated and valued.
Since the COVID-19 pandemic hit, Kerr said challenges have only intensified. Fundraising is more difficult for their charitable organization, especially heading into Christmas.
“The Salvation Army is facing a level of need that we haven’t seen in our community — or even our country — since post-World War II,” Kerr said.
And families have greater need, too. Kerr said there was a 19 per cent increase in people visiting the Salvation Army alone because of delayed wages in 2020. Since 2019, the homeless population has doubled.
Christmas is a time of year when many Saskatoon families turn to the Salvation Army for assistance. The Adopt-A-Family program was started by 650 CKOM in 1988 with the help of the Salvation Army to match businesses, groups and families with a less fortunate family in Saskatoon who could use some extra help during the holidays.
The long-running partnership has brought help and hope to countless families in Saskatoon.
Last year, the campaign raised more than $92,800 in cash, food and gifts. Those generous donations brought a special Christmas to more than 615 families and 1,550 children.
“We’re hoping we can do the same this year and share some Christmas joy with those who might not otherwise have it,” Kerr said.
Families, work groups and others interested in sponsoring a family through Adopt-A-Family this year can get involved by calling the Salvation Army at 306-477-2363 and selecting the Christmas extension to reach the appropriate staff members.