South West Terminal (SWT) gave away $6,000 to three non-profit organizations this year as part of the Christmas Cashback contest.

This year's grand prize winner was STARS, who won $5,000, and both the Drug Strategy Action Committee and the Southwest Crisis Centre received $500.

Jeff Kirwan, a crop inputs manager with SWT, talked about the nomination and selection progress.

"All of the SWT staff nominated charities, and with the amount of staff we brought in a wide array of what people wanted to donate to," he said. "Then they went on a voting campaign through the radio station."

Jerri-Lyn Johnston, senior development officer, major gifts with STARS, said that they really appreciate the donation from SWT.

"In the community of Swift Current and area, STARS actually flew into this area about 50 times in 2017 and this donation of $5,000 will go towards the funding of a future flight dedicated to Swift Current and area."

Johnston added that they are going to use the $5,000 towards the funding of a flight since the approximate cost of one mission to save a life is $5000.

Jeff Kirwan (left), and Genna Luchenski (right) with SWT with Patti Dekowny (centre)

Patti Dekowny, the chairperson of the Drug Strategy Action Committee, talked about how they are going to use their $500.

"We plan that we host some local activities throughout the year so the money will go towards some of those," she said. "This spring we are planning a community event where we’re hoping to have some speakers come out and talk about what’s going on in Swift Current regarding drug and alcohol use. We’re also planning a glow bowling night for teens age 12-17, so some of the money will be going towards that."

Dekowny added that donation will go a long way to help them, as they rely a lot on donations.

Jeff Kirwan (left), and Genna Luchenski (right) with SWT with Heather Lennox (centre)

"It’s truly appreciated, said Heather Lennox, executive director of the Southwest Crisis Centre. "It will directly go back to client services and so to support the individuals either through support counselling or through food or through a play to stay, and bedding and stuff to people restarted in new locations and that type of thing."

All three organizations said they were thankful of the community for voting for them and to SWT for giving out the donations.