Over $9,000 raised at Salvation Army luncheon

The 43rd annual Salvation Army luncheon in Wallaceburg has raised over $9,000, eclipsing last year’s mark by over $2,500.

“Although numbers were down, donations were up,” said Mark Childs, organizer of the fundraiser.

“We hope this continues on for many, many more years.”

Childs said a total of $9,165.93 was raised for the Salvation Army on Tuesday, $2,579.48 more than last year’s total of $6,586.45.

“We get credit for this function every year and it has been very successful… but there is one thing you’ve got to remember, it is not us that raises the money, it’s you people,” said Gord Childs, who started the event 43 years ago with his wife Fran.

In the 43 years they have been holding the “poor boys luncheon” a total of $312,252.38 has been raised.

The event was held at the UAW Hall in Wallaceburg, and featured a traditional poor boy menu including: chicken stew, beans and wieners, mac and cheese, scalloped potatoes, baby carrots, salad, rolls, desserts and coffee or tea.

Cost was a free will offering, with all the proceeds given to the Salvation Army.

The fundraising goal for the Salvation Army this year is $460,000.

The kettles will be out until December 23.

Here is a clip of the Salvation Army Band at the event:

The Salvation Army Band performing at the Childs luncheon in #Wallaceburg on Tuesday 🎺 pic.twitter.com/QzLKbw9led

— Sydenham Current (@SydenhamCurrent) 19 December 2017