Support Encouraging

Support encouraging
Regina Leader Post
Pamela Cowan

Neighbourhood children have some fun making bead necklaces Sunday at the annual Christmas is for Kids Party at the Good News Chapel hall. Festivities attracted twice as many children as last year's event. Photograph by : Joshua Sawka, Leader-Post

At a time when the world is experiencing an economic downturn, Michelle Porter is very upbeat about the support Souls Harbour Rescue Mission is receiving.

"Over the past year, donations went up six per cent," said the mission's executive director. "Our fiscal year ended June 30, but the giving has continued through the first quarter as well. I just can't believe that the people of Saskatchewan, while they're scared and feeling the pinch, are remembering the poor. It's our best year ever!"

She's thrilled that more than $50,000 has been donated in this year's Christmas campaign so far.

"People are giving on average $50, which is really amazing," Porter said. "And we have a new online campaign going where you can give a Christmas present to a homeless family and people are buying gifts for that ...

"We're getting above and beyond what we thought was possible in this economy. People are a little bit nervous about their finances. They're telling their families that 'We're not going to buy as much' and yet they are remembering the people who have nothing. To me, that speaks volumes about the real meaning of Christmas. We make the money raised in this season of giving last as long as we can. If we experience an economic downturn in the summer, the poor will be looked after."

She's also pleased that about 400 toys were donated for the "Christmas is for Kids" party that was held on Saturday afternoon at the Good News Chapel hall, Elphinstone Street and 8th Avenue. But it's not just the steady stream of donations that has Porter smiling. This month, on a daily basis, 20 new volunteers offer to help at the mission's soup kitchen.

"We're telling our regulars to take a break this month," Porter said. "But we could use people at the campus to come in and organize pantries and freezers and such. They can come to our main office and we will keep them busy for a day or for an hour."