THUNDER BAY – The Salvation Army’s Christmas Kettle campaign is one and a half weeks from the final collection day. Thunder Bay has been supportive but the total collected has fallen behind last year at this point. To date, $96,536 has been raised towards our objective of $200,000 which is about $9,000 less than a year ago. The stormy weather last week did have an impact on the campaign with stores closed, fewer shoppers in the open stores and volunteers unable to get to their kettle. We are still confident that we will be able to achieve our goal but will need the community to continue supporting the campaign. These funds are vital in order to maintain our local programs.
We are still in need of volunteers to cover kettle shifts open most weekdays from 10:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m. and for Saturday, December 23rd from 10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. As well, we are looking for volunteers who would be available on-call to fill-in for last-minute cancelations. Full coverage would help ensure our goal is reached. 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.
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.
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 Nissan for providing the use of a vehicle for the campaign, Mastrangelo Fuels for assisting with fuel and Tbaytel for assisting with communication equipment. Businesses, clubs, sports teams, churches, and other groups are taking time staffing the Kettles. We are grateful for the support of Pop’s Kettle Corn and Canadian Tire for their partnership with the “From our Kettle to Your Kettle” kettle corn promotion throughout the year. We are most thankful for the businesses that welcome the kettles at their establishments.
Donations to the Kettle campaign will be accepted until December 23rd at the following locations: Superstore, Intercity Shopping Centre, Grandview Mall, Walmart-Memorial Ave., Walmart-County Fair, Walmart- Arthur St. Market, and the LCBO’s at Arthur St., Thunder Centre, and Dawson Rd. as well as the Kiwanis Tree Lot while they are open.
Beyond donating to The Salvation Army’s physical Christmas kettles, donations can be made online through the Thunder Bay kettle at: www.FilltheKettle.com Credit Card donations can be made by calling our local office .at 345-6492 or donations can be mailed to The Salvation Army, 545 Cumberland St. N., Thunder Bay, ON P7A 4S2. These funds will be used in Thunder Bay.
New this year, a Salvation Army Kettle App enables donors to give to The Salvation Army through their mobile devices. The App allows donors to select a Christmas kettle in their community by scanning a QR code or by using an interactive map. Developed with the Royal Bank of Canada, the “Salvation Army Kettle App” can be downloaded from the Apple App Store or Google Play.
Supporters can host their own online kettle and encourage their friends, family, neighbours, and co-workers to donate to The Salvation Army in Thunder Bay. These online kettles can be created at www.FilltheKettle.com
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.
