Salvation Army salutes spirit of giving during Hutterite Appreciation Day

For the 22nd consecutive year, donations from Hutterian communities across the Southwest have helped fill the shelves of the Salvation Army Food Bank at Christmas time.

A special Hutterite Appreciation Day was hosted on Tuesday, providing the Salvation Army an opportunity to extend a thank you for a generous bounty of food.

“They generously give and give and give,” noted Captain Ed Dean from the Salvation Army.

“As the trucks come up, there are vegetables on them, they’ve brought turkeys, they’ve brought chickens. So that next week we can distribute those to our families that are in need this Christmas.”

In advance of the appreciation lunch, he spoke to a garden boss of over 40 years and was told that right since the inception of that colony they have been bringing produce.

“That’s wonderful to hear that history that’s there.”

Tyler Smyth, a Territory Manager with Pattison Ag, shared the importance of the appreciation event which was sponsored by Pattison Ag, Pioneer Coop, Scotia Bank, and MNP.

“It’s just a real small thank you for such a big effort. As you can see here there’s lots of produce and lots of chickens, and everything that the colonies do for the Salvation Army,” Smyth said.

He said it was important to salute the Hutterian Brethren in the region for being so responsive to the needs of others around them.

“They’re such giving people and such community minded in that sense of giving, and it’s just great to see what they do for the Salvation Army.”

Swift Current’s Salvation Army is a beehive of activity during December. They have recently transformed their chapel into a toy store for families at need this Christmas. The room full of items were donated through the generosity of the community during the Swift Current Broncos Teddy Bear Toss, along with 278 toys collected during Toy Days hosted by Canadian Tire. Additionally, items donated to the Angel Tree, which are specific gifts requested by children in families receiving food hampers this Christmas, are located in a separate room.

Capt. Dean added that the Salvation Army kettles are doing well.

“We’ve got 14 days left and we’re just over the $100,000. Our goal is $260,000. So a ways to go yet, but I believe this community can help us do it.”