Major Larry Bridger (right) and Frank Wong oversee the first donation of 2019's Salvation Army kettle campaign in Red Deer. (rdnewsNOW/Josh Hall)

By Josh Hall (Twitter: @Vancan19)

mission accomplished

Salvation Army Kettle Campaign has great final week in Red Deer

Jan 3, 2020 | 11:26 AM

Despite a rough go in the opening few weeks of this year’s Salvation Army Kettle Campaign, Red Deerians came through in the end.

Major Larry Bridger with the Salvation Army says more than $242,000 was raised directly at the kettles, with another $8000 being donated online, pushing the organization past its goal of $245,000.

“We were well behind, but we put a big push on, and it was a phenomenal final week,” says Bridger, who’d noted before Christmas that the economy was playing an obvious role in the low totals.

“We were a little concerned that we wouldn’t get anywhere near the target, but we’ve been very blessed by the people of Red Deer who have supported us very well. It worked out in the end.”

He adds that volunteers also did a tremendous job, with not too many shifts being left unattended.

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Money raised locally will support the Salvation Army’s school meal program, which provides kids with a package each Friday to take home and have food for the entire weekend. Currently, 25 local schools and approximately 270 kids benefit.

The organization also hosts a weekly lunch for seniors on Fridays, which often includes a keynote speaker and various forms of entertainment. Attendees pay $5 for a full course meal.

For Bridger, these types of initiatives make him proud to have been a member of the Salvation Army for 42 years. He, along with wife Marilyn, who’s been with the SA just as long, are retiring later this year to their former home of London, Ontario.

“This was my ninth Christmas campaign in Red Deer. We came to Red Deer from London, so we’ll be closer again to our kids and grandkids there.

“My wife grew up in the Salvation Army, within the church system and eventually felt a special calling to be an officer or a pastor,” Bridger shares. “I grew up in another church and got involved in the Salvation Army youth group in my hometown in Newfoundland. From there, I started to attend the church, enjoyed what they stood for and believed, and eventually I felt a special calling to become a minister as well.”

Asked about highlights during their time in Red Deer, Bridger reiterated a feeling of being overwhelmed by the generosity.

“They’ve treated us well, and the congregation has been very friendly and warm towards us. There’s a feeling of acceptance there,” he says. “Red Deer is a good community. We’ve enjoyed our time here.

The Bridgers’ final Sunday at the church will be June 21. A new person in charge at Salvation Army in Red Deer is expected to be announced in the spring.