INNISFAIL – Pentagon Security Patrol Services in Innisfail is stepping up to help those in need.
Co-owner Lyle Witt is calling on all local businesses to do the same.
“We’d like to put a challenge out to all the local businesses in Innisfail and ask that they dig deep and help the community out,” said Witt.
“We’ve been in business for two years, here in Innisfail and we support the community of Innisfail and the businesses,” he added. “This is our first time that we’ve been able to donate.”
Witt and his wife Marnie, a co-owner of the security company, recently donated $500 to the Salvation Army and $500 the Innisfail and District Food Bank to help local families and plan to donate another $500 to each organization in the new year as well.
“I think the main thing for us is the fact that these folks do so much for everybody,” said Witt. “I know that these are economically tough times and we wanted to just participate and give something back to the community.”
Denise Guthro, manager of the local Salvation Army store, was thrilled to receive the much needed funds just before Christmas.
“It means a lot,” said Guthro. “I have a job that helps me provide for my family but there’s so many families out there that don’t have jobs these days and so many children that will suffer the devastation that our province is going through.
“This donation will help The Salvation Army do as much as they possibly can for the communities that we cover in this area, at Christmas and throughout the year,” she added, noting she hopes it will encourage others to also come forward and help.
The Salvation Army helps families, children and seniors across Central Alberta and in Innisfail through a variety of programs.
Guthro noted a substantial shortfall in this year’s Salvation Army Kettle Campaign in Central Alberta.
“Our campaign will still go on until Dec. 24, and even though last week we were still down $15,000 we’re hoping that this week and up to the 24th will make up for that,” she said.
“Our community and family ministries helps all year round from January 1 to December 31,” explained Guthro, noting the importance of the annual Kettle Campaign. “This is our biggest campaign for our fundraising for the year and this not only covers Christmas but it covers our families that come in that are in need, throughout the year as well.”
The Salvation Army also distributes Christmas Hampers, with help from ATCO Gas, to families in Red Deer. This year they distributed them to families on Dec. 20.
“Last year I think we gave (Christmas hampers) to about 200 families. The need is great,” Guthro concluded.
