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Sporting Christmas is a multi-faceted effort.
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We raise money for the Salvation Army’s Christmas hamper program. While we do that much-needed work, people get an opportunity to remember loved ones with a donation, if they wish. Readers have told me how much that option means to them.
Several people are remembered today with a gift — Jim Serne, Michelle Cooper, Joe and Betty Wagner, Ray Perrault.
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We thank every person who donated today, because we know how important this effort is. I wrote earlier this week about the growing need in this community at Christmas. The Salvation Army will serve up as many as 5,000 hampers, if current trends hold up.
“We’re on track right now to surpass the number of families we helped last year,” said Salvation Army captain Derek Kerr, who was once a hamper recipient himself. “We did 4,500 families last year, and the demand just keeps increasing, increasing, increasing. That equates to about 10,000 children, 6,000 adults, and that was in 2023.
“I don’t see the need decreasing. It’s just the cost of groceries, and a lot of it is the cost of living. Once you factor in rent and accommodation, the groceries and the food …”
So if you can help, please do.
The postal strike has taken away one reliable way to donate, but we have others.
You can donate online by visiting www.thestarphoenix.com/sportingchristmas
You can also stop by the Salvation Army at 38 Bateman Crescent and drop off your gift. Please make sure to mark it as as a Sporting Christmas donation.
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