It was an impressive first year for the inaugural Winter Bells Campaign for Agassiz-Harrison Community Services.
The month-long campaign over the holidays brought in a whopping $13,508.67 for the local non-profit. Local realtor Freddy Marks has spearheaded the charitable efforts of the Salvation Army Kettle Campaign over the past few years and worked with AHCS to support the local non-profit in a new, more direct way.
Every Friday, volunteers manned blue buckets outside the Red Apple store (7116 Pioneer Ave. in Agassiz) and Black Forest Restaurant (180 Esplanade Ave. in Harrison Hot Springs) to raise funds for the AHCS, who served 14,000 people last year alone.
"Together with our amazing volunteers, we made a meaningful impact for Agassiz Harrison (Community) Services and the local food bank," Marks told The Observer. "We’re all incredibly happy with our decision to step away from the Salvation Army after we couldn’t agree on a fair distribution of funds raised in 2023 for our local food bank."
Marks thanked the many volunteers, local supporters and area businesses who contributed to this year's successful Winter Bells Campaign. This includes: Sunny Mahani and Vick Gothra of Black Forest and Milos, The Lodge at Harrison Lake, Settlers Pub, Diane Janzen, Glen Daviduik and Corner Café in Harrison.
Volunteers covered 89 two-hour shifts at the blue buckets.
"Our community truly came together, and we couldn't have done it without them," Marks said.
