Those familiar red kettles in front of large retail stores and other shopping areas around Greater Victoria are a holiday tradition and a primary source of fundraising revenue for the Salvation Army.
But this yearB次元官网网址檚 Christmas Kettle Campaign is looking for a major boost in the final days before Christmas.
Salvation Army spokesperson Patricia Mamic said Thursday just over $100,000 in donations have been received, leaving it well behind the 2017 goal of $225,000. While the organization remains grateful to the community at large and its corporate partners who help it fund various family outreach and assistance programs, she said, the hope is that the campaign will see a strong finish and be able to meet its objective.
B次元官网网址淲ith these proceeds, the majority are put toward Christmas needs, but we have to spread them throughout the year for things like kidsB次元官网网址� summer camps, counselling and other programs,B次元官网网址� Mamic said, adding the kettles are the organizationB次元官网网址檚 largest fundraiser of the year. B次元官网网址淭hatB次元官网网址檚 why this campaign is particularly important.B次元官网网址�
As many volunteer-driven organizations are finding these days, securing enough people to ring the bells in front of the kettles is proving tricky.
B次元官网网址淲e have over 100 empty red kettle shifts to be manned by Christmas Eve,B次元官网网址� Mamic said. She encouraged companies to gather staff to cover off a shift, noting it offers a great experience for those who participate.
If finding a kettle on the street in downtown Victoria eludes you B次元官网网址� in front of the Bay Centre on Douglas Street is usually a good bet B次元官网网址� potential donors have other ways to contribute. Online options include salvationarmy.ca and FilltheKettle.com or people can donate in person at 201-645 Fort St. or by calling 1-800-725-2769 (SAL-ARMY). All local donations stay in the community from which they are received.
In Victoria the Salvation Army operates multiple thrift stores, runs the Addictions and Rehabilitation Centre (ARC) on Johnston Street, has community churches and offers family and individual programs and education aimed at helping people out of poverty.
To volunteer for the final Christmas Kettle Campaign push, or any of the Salvation Army programs, talk to Sipili Molia at the Stan Hagen Centre for Families, 2695 Quadra St., or call 250-216-2447.
