THE Mount Gambier Salvation Army has received a generous donation following this year’s SAL Real Estate annual winter blanket appeal.
After receiving 40 blankets in last year’s appeal, SAL Real Estate’s Imogene Ryan said they were aiming to donate 50 this year.
“We set our target for 50 thinking we would not get much more than that,” she said.
The generosity of our region was soon demonstrated as a total of 105 blankets was donated by the community.
“I could not believe how great the response was this year,” Ms Ryan said.
“We had so many people coming into our office giving whatever they could to help out.
“It has been a heartwarming and humbling experience to be able to give back to those in need.”
Mount Gambier Salvation Army corps officer Pam Marshall said the organisation was feeling extremely blessed to receive so much support.
“We would love to thank not only everyone who donated, but SAL Real Estate for rallying together the community for something like this,” she said.
“There are so many people in need this winter and many more than the community may be aware of.
“Homelessness is very real in our region, but is largely hidden.
“We have families coming in who are living in their cars or have homes but just can not afford to keep warm.”
Ms Marshall said the blankets donated are a huge help, but they are always in need of more.
“The great thing about living in country towns is that locals give back to locals,” she said.
“It has been proven time and time again the community will always band together in times of need.
“This appeal has been no different.”
Ms Ryan said SAL Real Estate would aim to make the campaign bigger and better next year.
“Now we have hit 105 this year there is no telling how far we can go,” she said.
“As long as people keep donating, we will keep pushing to get more and more.”
