Jingle Bus raises greater than $10Ok for Salvation Military, Regina Meals Financial institution

Mayor Sandra Masters presents a cheque for $10,700 to the Regina Food Bank and Salvation Army after the 2021 Jingle Bus program. (Britton Gray/980 CJME)

Regina Transit riders tried to help make significant change during the 2021 Jingle Bus promotion.

The City of Regina announced Monday that $10,700 was raised during the promotion, which was held Dec. 10-12. The Salvation Army Haven of Hope and Regina Food Bank each are to receive half of the donated funds.

“The community really rallies around and really supports one and another,” said Maj. Al Hoeft of the Salvation Army. “Even in tough times, we dig a little bit deeper to help those in our community who are in need.”

“It’s part of the spirit of Regina and that spirit is not just here just during Christmas and the holiday season but all year long,” Mayor Sandra Masters said.

“I think we’ve said before that the (COVID-19) pandemic has had an unequal impact upon folks. Some have done better and some have done much worse and you hear that in some of the numbers in the increase at both the Regina Food Bank and Salvation Army.”

The money will be used by the Salvation Army to provide gift cards for its Christmas hamper program.

The food bank said it can provide three meals for every dollar that’s donated, so this sum will ensure more than 15,000 meals make their way to Regina families.

“This will make tonnes of holiday cheer in our community,” Regina Food Bank CEO John Bailey said. “It’s really exciting to be able to do that and to be able to turn around and get the food that people need to them, especially in a joyous time but sometimes a stressful time in the holiday season.”

Bailey and Hoeft both say they have noticed an increase in people who have been using their services this past year.

“A lot of people have talked about the longevity of the pandemic response and all the things that have worn families down during this time have been that much more challenging,” Hoeft said.

“Last Christmas we saw a marginal increase and this year to see another 25 per cent increase on top of it means the length of the pandemic and all the things that have been impacting the families have really added to the challenges that individual families are facing right now.”

The three-day Jingle Bus promotion asks transit and paratransit users to donate their fares and extra coins to local charities.

The program is sponsored by Rawlco Radio, Brown Communications Group, First Canada, Pattison Outdoor Advertising and Sleek Signs.