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Last updateTue, 24 Dec 2024 1pm

Spicy addition to Salvation Army campaign

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The Salvation Army was given a spicy boost this year during its Christmas campaign.
Fermented Fire Hot Sauce is a family business that has been in operation in Munson for the last two years. It created a special Hot Honey Mustard Sauce and emblazoned the label with The Salvation Army. It finished up a batch and has been selling it with all the proceeds going to The Salvation Army Christmas campaign. For all intents and purposes it was a sell-out and they were able to raise about $1,000 for the Salvation Army.
Proprietor Anthony Mason tells the Mail, he started the company a couple of years ago, at the suggestion of his son. They were at home thinking about ordering the “Hot Ones” lineup from the television show to do a sort of challenge.
“He said that would be fun, but you know what would be cool? We could make our own hot sauce,” recalls Mason.
The idea took off. Mason, who worked in restaurants for many years, made the decision to move to the area and start the home business.
“I loved being a chef, but I was never home, so now we can be together as a family and do this,” he said.
The business has taken off and last year he entered his “Cowboy Candy” in the Heating Up The Capital Ottawa Hot Sauce Expo and was awarded Canada’s Best Condiment in Canada.
His products are shipped across Canada and also sold locally.
With this success, he felt they would like to give back and came up with The Salvation Army Hot Sauce.
“This has been on my mind since the beginning of Fermented Fire. We have used The Salvation Army many times,” he said, adding even when the business was in its infancy. “Growing up, my mom was a single mother and I literally can’t count the number of times we had Christmas dinner and presents under the tree because of The Salvation Army. This year we had a pretty good year and we felt it was time.”
On Saturday, December 7 they were at the Drumheller Farmer’s market and they already only had a handful of sauces bottles left, succeeding in their goal.


Free Christmas dinner tradition continues

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A tradition built on the spirit that no one should spend Christmas alone continues with the annual free Christmas dinner.
The tradition has endured for decades, and this year once again Yavis Family Restaurant and The Salvation Army are hosting a free Christmas dinner with all the fixings for anyone who wishes to join. The dinner is on December 25 from 11:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.
“For several years, we have been providing Free Christmas Dinners to individuals and families who are experiencing hardship. With the holiday season fast approaching, we are determined to make it a memorable time for everyone, especially those who may not have the means to celebrate,” said one of the organizers Ken Routh in an appeal letter.
They are also accepting cash and gift donations for The Salvation Army.
There are also opportunities for volunteers.
“If you’re looking to make a difference in person, we also welcome volunteers to help us with various tasks On Christmas Day. Please reach out to Yavis Family Restaurant at 403-823-8317,” states the letter.
“It’s tough times in Alberta right now, there’s a lot of people that are having challenges, the last thing we want to see is people alone at Christmas and having challenges … just enjoy company and fellowship, that’s kind of what it’s all about.”

Local organizations receive legacy funds

 

The Drumheller and District Chamber of Commerce (DDCC) through the World’s Largest Dinosaur (WLD) Legacy Fund has selected five local organizations to receive a total of $40,000.
Eight applications for capital projects were received by the Chamber of Commerce following a call for submissions from August 1 to September 30. These applications, submitted by non-for-profits and other formally organized groups, reflected a strong commitment to community development and improvement.
“The Chamber of Commerce is incredibly fortunate to have Tyra, the World’s Largest Dinosaur, which generates revenue that is reinvested through our WLD Legacy Fund. This fund plays a crucial role in supporting and advancing community economic development initiatives,” said Chamber President Lana Phillips. “This year’s projects play a key role in fostering local growth and well-being, while also improving the quality of life for both residents and visitors alike. The DDCC Board of Directors remains committed to managing the WLD Legacy Fund responsibly, supporting local businesses and not-for-profits, while also saving for Tyra’s future needs.”
The successful applicants are the Badlands Trail Society, Hoodoods Music League, Midlandvale Community Hall Association, Nacmine Community Center Association and the Valley Growers Learning Garden.
The Badlands Trail Society will receive $4,200 for their outdoor ice skating trail pilot project.
The Hoodoods Music League and Midlandvale Community Hall Association will both receive $12,700 each. Funds to the Hoodoods Music League will assist with the purchase of a public address (PA) system for the Cold Bones Festival. Midlandvale Community Hall Association funding will go towards the completion of their outdoor accessible rink project.
The Nacmine Community Center Association will receive $3,400 to replace boards at their outdoor skating rink.
Lastly, $7,000 will be provided to the Valley Growers Learning Garden to build a fence around the community garden.
Since the creation of the World’s Largest Dinosaur Legacy Fund in 2004, the Drumheller and District Chamber of Commerce has invested over $850,000 in the Drumheller region.
This funding has supported 42 non-profit organizations and 44 businesses, including $250,000 to the Town of Drumheller to construct the Badlands Community Facility.


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