THUNDER BAY – Volunteer Bell Ringers are working hard to raise the Kettle goal of $175,000. To date, $104,670 has been raised which is just over half of the target. We are encouraging the community to continue to support the kettles.
The Celebrity and Community Leaders “Brave the Cold” event is being held this week at the LCBO Thunder Centre with a number of community leaders and well-known personalities braving the cold at this location as well as several other spots throughout the week.
Response to the call for more volunteers has been exceptional this year with many people coming forward. With their help and that of the many of our faithful long-term volunteers who are out ringing bells, most of our shifts for the rest of the campaign are filled. There are a few shifts left and anyone interest can call to find out more information. We are also looking for people willing to be on a cancellation list to fill-in on short notice. We are thankful for the willingness of the hundreds of people who are giving their time to ensure that support is available for those in need throughout the coming year. Our kettles are staff 100% by volunteers and we would not be able to raise these much-needed funds without their support.
The kettle funds are helping with our Christmas needs but they are especially important in ensuring that we are able to meet the needs throughout the coming year. Demands continue for our services such as the soup van that feeds up to 50 – 100 people per night or the food bank that provides hampers to families and individuals with limited financial resources.
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 and Mastrangelo Fuels for donating fuel for the vehicle. Many businesses, clubs and other groups have taken time on the Kettles. Along with these fantastic groups there are a large number of individual volunteers who cover a large part of our kettle schedule.
We are most thankful to the businesses that welcome the kettles at their establishments. Donations to the Kettle campaign will be accepted until 1:00 p.m. on December 24th at the following locations: Superstore, Intercity Shopping Centre, Grandview Mall, Walmart, and the LCBO’s at Arthur St., Thunder Centre, and Dawson Rd.
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
