Jingle Bus campaign raises over $20,000 for Regina charities

Many more families around Regina will be able to enjoy Christmas dinner this year, thanks to the money raised in the third annual Jingle Bus campaign.

The Regina Food Bank and Salvation Army received $20,017 in a combined donation from Rawlco Radio and the City of Regina Tuesday morning.

This past weekend, $5,517 was donated by transit users, the rest — a total of $14,500 — was donated by Rawlco Radio.

Val Wicks, program director with the Salvation Army, lit up with joy as the cheque was presented. She said the money raised will go towards funding Christmas meal hampers this year, leaving room in their annual budget to work on the charity’s year-round initiatives.

“This lets (less fortunate families) have memories of Christmas dinner in their home — the smell of turkey in their house, the smell of cooking ham in their house. It’s all about the memories,” Wicks explained.

The same sentiment was echoed by Steve Compton, CEO of the Regina Food Bank.

“We talk here all the time that you may not remember the gift you got years ago, but you probably remember the meal you had sitting around the dinner table with your family, friends and loved ones,” he said.

“To be able to make sure that we give that experience to families that may not otherwise be able to participate in that, that’s a pretty good feeling.”

Compton added every dollar donated can purchase up to $5 worth of food, which can translate into a handful of Christmas dinners.

This is the most money the Jingle Bus campaign has ever raised in the three years it has been in operation.

News Talk 980 CJME is owned by Rawlco Radio.