Community chest benefits groups

CARSTAIRS - The 66th annual Carstairs Community Chest charity drive was a big success in 2018, raising $68,934, said secretary Vicki Penner.

"It was another amazing year," said Penner. "The board was not only pleased but encouraged by the amazing generosity of Carstairs and area residents in tough times for many."

In all, 65 volunteer canvassers worked diligently to knock on all the doors in town and rurul areas, but a shortage of canvassers left a few areas undone, said Penner.

"More canvassers are sought for next year's annual charity drive," she said. "Call a board member if you can help."

In August, the board disbursed $6,000 each to 11 charities, with nine of them being local and mainly volunteer driven.

The charities were Hugh Sutherland School breakfast program, Chinook Arch Victim’s Services Society, Habitat for Humanity Mountain View Society, Horizon School, Mountain View Emergency Shelter, Mountain View Food Bank, Mount View Special Riding Association, Central Alberta Pregnancy Care Centre, Rosebud Health Foundation, Salvation Army, and STARS.

The Carstairs Elementary School toast program is being supported as needed.

"There will still be generous funds left for local fire disasters as immediate cash aid, which is a bylaw of community chest," she said. "The recipient charities express much appreciation for the community chest funds. It saves them from going to residents and businesses for donations."

Any interested people are welcome at the next board meeting on Feb. 26 at the Carstairs town office.