(Angie Rolheiser/northeastNOW Staff)

By Angie Rolheiser

Serving the community

Free income tax clinics offered at Salvation Army stores

Apr 15, 2020 | 11:51 AM

The Salvation Army stores in the northeast are offering free income tax clinics over the next few weeks.

Clinics will begin in Melfort this Friday and will be held on the next three Fridays from 10 a.m. until 5 p.m.

Captain Rick Robins said they have volunteers coming to help out with the program that is very well utilized.

“In Nipawin, they have done over 200 this year. In Tisdale it’s usually over 100 and in Melfort we have done up to 400 in the past,” Robins said.

Tisdale offers the program on Monday and Wednesday while Nipawin has volunteers on hand on Monday and Thursday.

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The program has run for several years in the northeast but Robins said they would like to round up a few more volunteers to help out with it.

Although the federal and provincial government has extended the income tax deadline to June 1 due to COVID-19, Robins encourages getting them filed sooner rather than later.

“We figured we better get started and as of right now it is just the three Fridays, but if there is a need, we will book more days,” Robins said.

Waiting until the June deadline to file taxes could result in a delay or cut-off of benefits such as the child tax benefit or the old age security guaranteed income supplement.

“Those benefits are huge for a lot of people especially during these trying times,” Robins said.

Those wanting an appointment can call 752-3525.

Meals are still being made by the Salvation Army staff each day for those who need it.

The army is also looking at their options as to how better reach people with their meals since not everyone has access to travel to get to the store. They are also looking for food donations to go into food hampers for those in need. Food items can be dropped off through the church doors that remain open 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday to Friday.

“We have been talking with people who are alone and doing some door visits as we look at our mission of being a transforming influence and trying to meet the needs of the community,” Robins said.

Robins added small gestures can sometimes mean the world to someone to let them know that they are being thought of when they are alone.

“We are here for the community and continue to help people in anyway possible, whether it is income tax or food, we will do our best,” he said.

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angie.rolheiser@jpbg.ca

On Twitter: @Angie_Rolheiser