Melfort, SK - The former bingo hall along Saskatchewan Ave has been donated to the local Salvation Army.

"After the owner cleaned up the land, he could have chosen to sell it, but he  donated it to The Salvation Army. That was pretty awesome," says Cpt Curtis Cartmell, CO.

There is a three stage process for renovating the building.

First, the Army is hoping to have the thrift store move in by Nov. 30.

Second, in the spring, they want to move all of their community-based ministries there. The building will eventually include washrooms, laundry facilities and shower facilities.

Third, The Salvation Army will explore the possibility of integrating all of their ministries under one roof. Cartmell said he would also like to see a mulit-purpose conference centre at the new building.