The need is high, but donations raised during this year's Red Kettle Campaign are even higher.
The Chatham-Kent Salvation Army ended up exceeding their fundraising goal of $450,000 as of New Year's, after reporting a $28,000 shortfall on Christmas Eve.
"I think it's just the realization that there's a lot of people struggling," says Captain Stephanie Watkinson. "That enables the ones that are able to dig deeper, because they know that maybe it's a neighbour, maybe it's a family member that will benefit from our services."
Watkinson says the grand total was just under $458,000.
Even though their goal was achieved, she says they're currently in the process of examining their budget and all of their programs.
"I always look for savings, especially on the administrative side, so that we can put more funds and resources into direct client assistance," says Watkinson. "And checking out with the clients too and getting their feel on where the need, they sense, is."
Watkinson reiterates she wants to trim administrative costs, and won't be paring down any of the Salvation Army's programming. As they experience an increase in demand for services, she says the organization's priorities in 2017 will remain the same.
"Mainly focused on obviously food assistance, but also housing security," says Watkinson, "as we continue to work within the community to secure more affordable housing for people, and to help them with this utility crisis."
