The annual Christmas luncheon, organized by the Childs family in Wallaceburg, has once again raised funds for the Salvation Army.
When the final numbers were tallied, a total of $7,565 was raised on Tuesday, December 11.
“We started this back in 1974 and we have exceeded $300,000,” Mark Childs, the organizer of the luncheon, told the crowd gathered at the UAW Hall in Wallaceburg.
“I think we are $313,000 to date. So we hope to be doing this until we hit $1-million dollars but we will see what happens.”
Childs said he is grateful for the continued support from the community for the luncheon, which was started by his parents in the 70’s and has been continued on by himself and his son’s.
“Thank you very much for coming today,” Childs said.
Captain Stephen Holland, of the Salvation Army Chatham-Kent Ministries, said they are thankful for the annual support.
“We would like to thank you for all you have done over the past years,” he said.
“Without your help the people in Wallaceburg would not be able to receive the support at Christmas time of toys, food and we really thank you all very much for your kindness an generosity.”
Specifically, Holland thanked the entire Childs family for taking on the initiative year after year.
“Thank you to the Childs family for all they do,” he said.
“We couldn’t have a great Christmas without their support. So, thank you all very much.”
Here are some photos from the event, taken by Dana Haggith:
