The Salvation Army Prairies and Northern Territories Division announced on January 28, 2026, that its 2025 Christmas Kettle Campaign raised $3,865,049.66 to help people in Brandon, Manitoba, and across the Prairies. The regional total will be used to fund 2026 operations, including local services such as food banks and emergency shelters.
The successful collection drive comes at a time of high demand for the Brandon food bank at 727 Princess Avenue, which has seen demand rise by roughly 15–20% in recent years. While the $3,865,049.66 figure is a regional total for the Prairies & Northern Territories Division, The Salvation Army follows a policy that donations given in a community generally remain there to support local needs.
The fundraising news is tempered by a recent tragedy: a fire destroyed the Salvation Army Prince Albert Community Services building on December 25, 2025. The Prince Albert Community Services operation has been set up in a temporary space at the Union Centre (107 8 St E) while plans to rebuild are developed; some services (such as showers and laundry) remain a gap in the temporary space.
According to CBC News, investigators with the Prince Albert Fire Department have determined the fire was human-caused and that separate fires were started in multiple locations within the building. The loss has prompted the division to consider how resources and volunteers might be shared across the region to ensure essential meal programs and warming centres continue to run.
Local residents who want to volunteer or donate can find information on the Salvation Army website. The organization is asking for support to maintain services so that people in these communities do not go without food or a safe place to sleep during the winter months.
