THUNDER BAY – The Salvation Army’s Christmas Kettle campaign is at the half-way point. With a little later start this year funds are down from last year at this time but they are catching up. To date, $$59,561 has been raised which is $2,000 below last year to this point. The objective this year is $175,000 which we are confident that we will be able to achieve. We are asking the community continue supporting the campaign as these funds are needed to support our local programming budget.
Kettle funds assist with our Christmas needs but they are especially important in ensuring that we are able to meet the needs throughout the coming year. Demands for our services continue with many people in the city struggling financially. Our Food Bank and Soup Van are still seeing demands for their services. The Soup Van provides meals at two locations in the city every night throughout the year. Patrons include families with young children and seniors.
Can You Help?
Many volunteers have already been out but we still need volunteers especially those hardy souls who are willing to take an outdoor location. We are also looking for volunteers who would be available on-call to fill-in for last-minute cancellations. Full coverage would help ensure our goal is reached.
Shifts are available both at indoor or outdoor spots. Our kettles are staffed 100% by volunteers – individuals, families, businesses, service clubs and other groups. We would not be able to raise these much-needed funds without their support.
To volunteer, call 345-6492
We are thankful for those who are helping this campaign in one way or another either financially or with their time. There are many people and businesses who are contributing to the campaign.
We would acknowledge Half-way Motors for providing the use of a vehicle for the campaign as well as Tbaytel for assisting with communication equipment.
Businesses, clubs and other groups are taking time on the Kettles. They include Gino’s Pizza, ADK Epsilon, ADK Nu, Thunder Bay Clown Club, Copperfin Credit Union, TBT Engineering, Gillons Insurance, Brokerlink, St. Paul’s Anglican Church, Weiler, Maloney, Nelson, Jones & Associates Insurance. We are most thankful for the businesses that welcome the kettles at their establishments.
Donations to the Kettle campaign will be accepted until December 24 at the following locations: Superstore, Intercity Shopping Centre, Grandview Mall, Walmart-Memorial Ave., Walmart-County Fair, and the LCBO’s at Arthur St., Thunder Centre, and Dawson Rd. as well as the Kiwanis Tree Lot.
Supporters can host their own Kettle and collect donations on-line or make a donation through the Thunder Bay on-line kettle at: www.fillthekettle.com or Text HOPE4038 to 45678 to make a $5.00 donation to the Thunder Bay Kettle Campaign. These funds will be used in Thunder Bay.
The Salvation Army appreciates the support we receive from the community and is certain that our objective will be reached. Thank you for informing the public of the campaign results to date and encouragement to help us reach our goal.
