Duane Hicks
The Salvation Army’s annual Christmas kettle campaign, a crucial part of its seasonal fundraising, kicked off this morning with Mayor Roy Avis taking the first shift ringing the bells.
But many more volunteers are needed to ring those bells up to Dec. 24, Salvation Army Capt. Angel Sandoval stressed.
“We need the support of the community,” he noted, adding not too many people have signed up to man the kettles so far.
For example, volunteers only have signed up for three hours of bell ringing today.
Volunteer “bell ringers” are asked to donate their time in two-hour shifts, if possible.
To volunteer, you either can call 274-3871 or drop by the Salvation Army’s Citadel on Victoria Avenue (across from the clinic).
Kettles will be located at Wal-Mart, Safeway, Canadian Tire, and LCBO from now until Christmas Eve.
As well, local banks will have kettles outside their doors on specific days when bank staff have agreed to ring the bells.
Capt. Sandoval said he’s always so pleased to see workplaces pledge to man the kettles, and would love to see more of that kind of commitment from other local businesses and service clubs.
As well, high school students can earn their mandatory community hours needed to graduate by ringing the bells.
Capt. Sandoval also encouraged all those shoppers who see one of the familiar red kettles to dig into their pockets—and keep in mind the funds raised are used to help district families get hampers this Christmas.
Last year, $17,541 was raised during the kettle campaign.
In related news, people also can help out the Salvation Arm by giving monetary donations (cash donations get a tax receipt) or, more specifically, through two hamper programs: “Adopt-a-Family” and “Sponsor-a-Family.”
For more information, read the letter of appeal that was sent out to all residents last week, call 274-3871, or visit the Citadel.
