Demand for the Kemptville Salvation Army food bank is still significantly higher than it was before the COVID-19 pandemic.
Calvin Wong, a pastor with the Salvation Army who runs the charity’s food bank, says people are turning to his team because they’re struggling with high living expenses.
“[Demand] went up threefold after COVID,” Wong says, “and it’s gone down a little bit, but we’re seeing new people all the time, and some people who continue to be on it, so the people are still there.”
The Salvation Army is one of three local charities benefitting from 97.5 Moose FM’s upcoming Spirit of Giving Radiothon at Canadian Tire in Kemptville.
Last year, the event brought in more than $2,600 for the charity, and the event has grown this year to include the House of Lazarus and Canadian Tire Jumpstart.
“Last year was the best kick-off event we’ve ever had,” Wong says. “There was just so much activity going on, so much hype. The fact that we can partner with other organizations as well, like House of Lazarus, I think is a really great show of support for the community, that we can all come together and help each other.”
The Spirit of Giving event is happening on November 18th, from 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM. You can read more about it here.