The Ridge Meadows Salvation Army reports that donations are down by nearly $10,000 this year in its annual kettle campaign.
The iconic red kettle campaign has a long-standing tradition all over the globe. Many Christmas movies feature a Santa Claus ringing a bell in front of a red kettle. You can find kettles anywhere you travel at Christmas time – in malls, in front of grocery stores, even at local businesses, notes local Sally Ann spokesperson Amelia Norrie.
This community is hosting more than 10 kettles this holiday season, from Harris Road to 240th Street.
With just under two weeks left in the campaign, donations are down by nearly $10,000 so far this year.
“Funding from our kettle campaign is crucial to operating programs that directly serve people in need in this community,” said Dave Macpherson, regional director for social missions with The Salvation Army.
“We will always be here to serve, but if this ministry doesn’t reach its fundraising goal, we may have to scale back on some of the services we offer.”
The local donations remain in this community, and are put towards helping individuals and families in need through food security programs, baby and toddler programs, youth programming and holiday hampers.
Without their fundraising goals being met, The Salvation Army may have to reevaluate the programs they offer to the community.
To help The Salvation Army reach their goal of $100,000, there are a variety of ways the public can get involved, said Norrie. The easiest of which is to donate your time – sign up to become a kettle volunteer for as little or as much time as they can give.
All volunteering and kettle inquiries can be directed to the kettle coordinator at rmkettles@salvationarmy.ca, or by calling 604-463-8296, local 104.
Another way to help is by donating directly at the red kettles, or to the program, by visiting The Salvation Army online at www.ridgemeadowssa.ca.
