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successful event

‘Plates of Hope’ for Salvation Army food program

Jan 29, 2025 | 12:58 PM

An event aimed at raising money for the Salvation Army’s bagged lunch food program in Prince Albert, also raised hope for the sustainable future of the service.

Nearly $63,000 was donated as part of the ‘Plates of Hope’ fundraiser spearheaded by local caterer Randy Whitter and photographer Shannon Parenteau.

“Shannon did an amazing job with a beautiful art exhibit that featured black and white photos of those who receive our meals each day – our guests. And, Randy knocked it out of the park with his catering,” said Major Ed Dean, Ministry Lead for the Salvation Army Ministry in Prince Albert.

“We want to also thank the community and our generous sponsors for their support,” he said. The Malcolm Jenkins made a $25,000 contribution alone.

The event took place on Jan. 17 at Plaza 88. There was a silent auction and photos from Parenteau’s gallery were sold to sponsors for $200 each. They will hang in the Salvation Army dining room in the future alongside a plaque featuring the sponsor’s names. The evening also included video interviews with some of the food program’s clients.

“The photos and the video really hit home,” said Major Dean. “These are real people. They have a desire to eat just like everyone else. And a lot of people get the opinion that its just homeless people who use the program. Well, that’s not accurate. We serve young moms who may be struggling to put food on the table. But we also have seniors that come for the company. It’s become a meeting place where they can come to have a meal.”

The bagged lunches are offered six days a week. The program feeds up to 150 people each day. Dean said the money will allow them to continue buying the groceries needed to do that. The Salvation Army received a grant for new appliances and hope to transition the bagged lunch program to a sit down meal at their location on Central Avenue in the future.

“And that’s the biggest piece of this, is that it gives people back their dignity – to come on in, have a meal on a plate with utensils.”

With its overwhelming success, Dean would like to see the ‘Plates of Hope’ event become an annual fundraiser for the Salvation Army.

panews@pattisomedia.com