CKOM’s Adopt-A-Family program raises more than $80,000 for Saskatoon

CKOM’s Adopt-A-Family program brought in over $80,000 in cash, food and gifts this year, and as a result, more than 360 families will experience a special Christmas.

“This is all thanks to the people of Saskatoon and the surrounding areas. We couldn’t do this without their spirit of generosity and their spirit of giving at this time of year,” said Heather Bonynge, Rawlco Radio’s Director of Promotions, on the 650 CKOM Morning Show.

“I’m really just looking forward to seeing the families receive their gifts. That’s the best part.”

Volunteers made it possible to get the gifts into the hands of the ‘adopted’ Christmas families. (650 CKOM)

For 35 years, Adopt-A-Family has encouraged businesses, families and individuals to ‘adopt a family’ and purchase food and gifts for less fortunate Saskatoon families through The Salvation Army.

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While it was originally a Christmas holiday program, the initiative is open to families of all backgrounds and traditions to meet their needs and wishes.

The Adopt-A-Family program started in 1988 and it collected $5,000 in its first year.

Since then, the demand for assistance at Christmas time has grown immensely and so has the program.

Last year, the initiative brought in more than $60,700 in cash, food and gifts.

As a result, over 450 families experienced a special Christmas.

Today, thanks to the wonderful generosity of sponsors, volunteers, partners, and the community, the Adopt-A-Family program continues to help hundreds of Saskatoon families every year, giving hope to thousands of children, youth and adults for the holidays.

Giving to others feels ‘awesome’

This is the second year Rise Strength Lab has participated in the campaign, and on Monday Jarek Rhode and Brandon Wicks delivered two full vehicles of donations for five families.

Rhode explained he feels fulfilled giving back in the holiday season.

“Christmas is exactly that — giving,” Rhode said. “For us to be able to channel in our entire community and help support five families, that in turn hopefully influences everyone else to do exactly the same thing and feel the need to give during the season where other people may be struggling.”

Wicks echoed that statement, stressing the importance of supporting the community.

“We are very fortunate with what we have and being able to bring our community together to do this for others is awesome,” Wicks said

Derek Kerr, Executive Director of the Salvation Army Community and Family Services in Saskatoon. (Mia Holowaychuk/650 CKOM)

Derek Kerr, Executive Director of the Salvation Army Community and Family Services in Saskatoon, said in the last several years there has been an increased need for support, especially around Christmas, due to inflation.

“Everybody’s struggling,” Kerr said. “Some people may not use our services through the rest of the year, but they need that little bit of help at Christmas just to get them over that hump and to provide for their family.”

Kerr shared a heartfelt anecdote about a time when he turned to the Salvation Army for support as a client, and expressed how overwhelming it is to see the generosity that comes from the community.

“To be on the receiving end really makes you feel good that there’s people out there in this community that are willing to support you in your time of need.”

— with files from 650 CKOM’s Mia Holowaychuk

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