Salvation Army Auxliary Captain Arhur Healthcote (l) accepts cheque from Fort Frances Walmart store manager Paolo Santos as part of Walmart's Fight Hunger, Spark Change campaign. Oct. 12, 2022. Image: Randy Thoms

More support for the Salvation Army in Fort Frances.

Walmart has provided the local agency with over $9,679.86, raised through its Fight Hunger, Spark Change campaign held in February and March.

The Salvation Army’s Auxiliary Captain Arthur Heathcote says it will come in handy.

“This campaign, we’ve kind of come to count upon. As the weather gets colder, people’s costs start to increase, which means paying the bills or putting food on the table, and Walmart is an excellent bridge to make that happen,” says Heathcote.

Heathcote says a portion of the money will help buy fresh food.

“The other amount we’re obligated to spend on capital resources, things like freezers, moving food, that type of thing,” adds Heathcote.

This was the sixth year for the campaign.

Every Walmart store across Canada is paired with a local food bank in their community.

All of the funds raised at the local store stay in the community.

Store Manager Paolo Santos credits the willingness of their customers to back the program.

“There are people who won’t give you their full holistic picture of their livelihood, but those who are able to reach out and who we can help, it just, I’m sure, makes a world of difference,” says Santos.

The campaign will return next spring.