The 134th Salvation Army Christmas Kettle Campaign kicks off on Friday with the charitable agency reporting more people experiencing financial difficulties across the country this year.
In Maple Ridge the kickoff will take place from 11-2 p.m. on Friday, Nov. 15, at ValleyFair Mall at the London Drugs entrance.
The Salvation Army brass band will be at the kickoff at noon.
Once the kickoff takes place there will be kettles at 10 locations across Maple Ridge and Pitt Meadows over the weekend.
The goal this year is $100,000 noted Amelia Norrie with Salvation Army Ridge Meadows Ministries.
"We're seeing, especially at a community services level, we're seeing more and more people who might not look like they are in need coming through our doors. So people who are employed, but who are just struggling having to make the decision of paying their rent or their mortgage and putting food on the table," said Norrie, noting they are doing between 150 and 160 emergency food hampers a month.
They also saw an increase in the back-to-school supplies program this year and they are anticipating that their Christmas Village Program will also see huge demand this year as well. It is a program in partnership with the Canadian Tire in Maple Ridge where needed items are placed on tags on a Christmas tree at the front of the store. The public are invited to take a tag, shop for the item, and then donate it at the customer service counter.
According to the national office of the Salvation Army, food security is the number one issue facing vulnerable Canadians, but other concerns include the cost of housing, utilities, and delayed wages.
Last year the number of seniors needing support from the agency across the country increased by six per cent and those experiencing disabilities who needed their services increased by 10 per cent. Households with children needing their help increased by three per cent.
"Many people who are struggling must choose between feeding themselves or feeding their children, or perhaps skipping Christmas to pay the rent," explained Lt-Colonel John Murray, territorial secretary for communications with the Salvation Army.
"When hunger and fear become a way of life, each day feels like an uphill climb," noted Murray.
The national fundraising goal is $22 million this year.
Money goes towards assistance to all who need it, said Murray, not only at Christmas but throughout the year.
The agency provides meals, food banks, children's breakfast programs, housing supports, substance-use recovery, and care for women and children fleeing domestic violence.
Every donation to any of the 2,000 kettle locations across the country remains within the community in which it was given to support local needs.
Most kettle units across Canada offer a safe and simple tap-and-go payment option to donate.
"Donor support and partnerships help us provide essential services, such as shelter, food and addictions support, directly impacting those in need," added Murray. "The continued generosity of Canadians, motivated by compassion and a desire to give back to their communities, ensures that The Salvation Army can effectively contribute to poverty reduction across the country."
Volunteers are needed for the local campaign. Those interested can sign up by emailing: rmkettles@salvationarmy.ca.
