City with a Giant Heart Shows Its Spirit

THUNDER BAY – Good news from the Salvation Army. The Thunder Bay Christmas Kettle campaign surpassed the $175,000 objective this year thanks to the generosity of everyone in our community.

We are pleased to announce that a total of $187,038 was raised in this year’s campaign. This is an all-time high. This tremendous support is an indication of the confidence that the donors and volunteers have in The Salvation Army. They have entrusted us to care for those in Thunder Bay who are not able to manage on their own. The Salvation Army is committed honouring this trust.

This ensures that in the coming year funding is in place for services such as our mobile feeding program, food to meet the demands in our food bank, and many other programs. The additional funds will help to offset some of the unexpected expenses that have arisen from some of our aging equipment. The need is always there and the funds will be put to good use.

On December 20, Walmart Canada hosted the fifth Walmart Fill the Kettle Day with Walmart Canada matching donations nationally up to $50,000. Locally, $2,782 was raised on this special day.

“We, at The Salvation Army extend a big thank you to everyone in Thunder Bay and area who helped to make this year’s kettle campaign a success. Your generosity with both your time and finances attests to the many caring people in Thunder Bay. Thank you for helping us to give hope to many struggling people in our community,” said Major Rob Kerr, Executive Director of The Salvation Army Community & Residential Services.

Donations will still be accepted to the Thunder Bay Kettle campaign on-line at www.FilltheKettle.com/thunderbay or by mailing a cheque to 545 Cumberland St. N., Thunder Bay, ON P7A 4S2 or calling 1-800-SAL-ARMY (725-2769) . 2014 donations must be received by December 31st or postmarked December 31st in order to be receipted in 2014.

This campaign would not be possible without the support of the volunteers who worked so tirelessly throughout the campaign. We are thankful for our faithful volunteers who have rung the bells for a long time and the many new friends who stepped forward this year. What a fantastic gift! As well, we are grateful to the businesses that have allowed us to place kettles in their establishments, Halfway Motors who provided a vehicle, Tbaytel for the donation of a cell, and Mastrangelo Fuels for assistance with fuel.

The Salvation Army would also like to thank the media for the support they have given us especially this Christmas season but also during the year. We would appreciate your assistance informing the community of the campaign results.