The Army, Navy and Air Force Veterans (ANAVETS), Unit 222 in Prince Albert donated $2,000 to the Salvation Army Prince Albert on Friday, 27, at the ANAVETS Club House, Prince Albert.
The Plates of Hope fundraising got a big boost when the veterans in PA decided to chip in some funds and contribute to the program to support the good work that the Salvation Army has been doing in Prince Albert.
“The whole club unanimously agreed to support the Plates of Hope, and then they had hard luck with the fire. Oh my God, that was devastating,” said Floyd LaVallee, President of the Army Navy Air Force Veterans, Unit 222, Prince Albert. “That’s why the whole club had to vote on it, and we decided they are going to get the money.”
LaVallee said his interest and support of the Salvation Army is personal. Back in the ’30s, LaVallee said his father first came to Prince Albert looking for help, and the only place that help came from was the Salvation Army. They gave him a shelter, food, and the support made a difference in his life.
“He idolised them,” LaVallee remembered.
Other ANAVETS members were happy to support the Plates of Hope fundraiser, too.
“Its an excellent cause,” ANAVETS Second Vice-President Gary Johnson said. “They do so much for the community, and it’s devastating what happened to them. We just want to help out in whatever way that we can.”
After serving in the defence of the country, local veterans have consistently and intentionally continued to support and cater for the needy in the community in diverse ways.
Johnson said it feels great to support Plates of Hope and the Salvation Army, and he also encouraged other well-wishers to tip in with their own contribution.
Salvation Army Major Ed Dean, who was on hand to receive the donation, said they were grateful for the ANAVETS’ support.
“We are honoured any time that someone says to The Salvation Army ‘we understand what you do,’” Dean explained. “If they can help in some way,, it’s greatly appreciated.”
Dean said all funds raised from Plates of Hope will go towards The Salvation Army’s feeding program. The organization provides 37,000 meals a year.
“You can just imagine the magnitude of what that looks like when you start buying groceries,” Dean said.
With the winter season, the Salvation Army is running a warming Centre for the homeless every night. People who use that facility are also offered a snack at night and breakfast in the morning. The feeding program offers lunch six days a week, all year round.
“Groceries cost go up every now and then,” Dean said. “I understand its supply and demand, but we still try and do a nutritious meal, six days a week, offer snacks to them at night and breakfast in the morning.”
The Tickets for the Plates of Hope is still available at PlatesofHope.Eventbrite.ca and donations are still being expected. The Plate of Hope Events is held on March 14 at 6 p.m. at Plaza 88, or call the office.
“Come out for a wonderful evening of music, entertainment, a silent auction and a wonderful meal plan. We will love to see everybody,” Dean said.
