The Salvation Army has issued a call for financial and food donations, citing a skyrocketing demand in both Houston and Smithers.
“As the number of needy families increases and donations dwindle, the situation becomes increasingly urgent,” Salvation Army official Lara Niessen stated in a May 22 release.
There’s been a doubling of the number of families in Houston over the last year needing help from the Army’s food bank in that community while the Wednesday and Friday hot meal program in Smithers has seen more people turn out, she said.
At the beginning of 2023, the Houston food bank, which is open Tuesdays and Thursdays, would have an average of 10 households a week asking for assistance. That number now has increased to anywhere from 20 to 30 households a week.
Last year the Smithers hot meal program fed 25 people each time but that number has now soared to 80, Niessen added.
The increased demand in Houston and Smithers comes at a time when food and monetary donations have dropped off while the Army’s operating costs have increased.
Rising food prices have now outstripped the income the Salvation Army earns from its thrift store.
Houston’s economy suffered a blow last spring when Canfor closed its sawmill because of high operating costs and an aging facility. Although Canfor announced in September 2023 it would build a new mill, the company said just last month it was shelving that plan at least for now.
“The closure of the Houston mill has dramatically affected the demand for food assistance in Houston. Shortly after the mill closed, the Salvation Army had more young families come in for food bank assistance, with a family member who was (or going to be) working for the mill,” said Niessen.
Niessen said that one young Houston family affected by the mill closure has told her they could not have made it through without the Army’s help.
And now rising food prices and demand have now outstripped the income the Salvation Army earns from its thrift store.
“Over the coming year we are seeking grants and resources while letting the public know we need food and monetary donations,” said Niessen.
“The Salvation Army also is seeking opportunities to network and build a collaborative approach to supporting needy families,” she added.
Just recently one community group provided the Army with a $1,000 cheque to help with the purchase of food.
“This is a non-traditional time of the year for giving, but the need is great,” Niessen said of the message provided by the Omenica Masonic Lodge #92 in Smithers when it sent the cheque.
Those wishing to donate or to volunteer can contact Niessen at 250-643-4688 or by email at lara.niessen@salvationarmy.ca.
