THUNDER BAY – The Salvation Army’s Christmas Kettle campaign is at the half-way point. Thunder Bay has been supportive but the total collected is behind last year at this point. To date, $$72,042 has been raised towards our objective of $190,000 about $7,000 less than a year ago. The stormy weather early in the campaign has impacted the campaign with fewer shoppers in the stores and volunteers unable to get to their kettle. We are confident that we will be able to achieve our goal. We are asking the community continue supporting the campaign as these funds are needed to maintain our local programs.
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.
Many volunteers have already been out but we still need volunteers. 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 mostly for weekdays between 10:00 a.m and 6:00 p.m. 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 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 and other groups are taking time on the Kettles. They include Castlegreen Cooperative, Fort William Rotary Club, Thunder Bay Real Estate Board, United Commercial Travellers, Odd Fellows, Hill City Kinsmen, SUCCI, Knights of Columbus 9295, Knights of Columbus 1130, Port Arthur Rotary Club, Thunder Bay Clown Club, Gillons Insurance, BMO Nesbitt Burns, Lowerys, Beta Sigma Phi, Lakehead Thunderwolves, Chinese Folk Music & Dance Group, Gino’s Pizza (Cumberland St.), Ultimate Gymnastics, Brokerlink, A Giggle of Clownz, Badanai Motors, and Pop’s Kettle Corn in Partnership with Canadian Tire. 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, Walmart- Arthur St. Market, 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 online or make a donation through the Thunder Bay on-line kettle at: www.fillthekettle.com. Credit Card donations can also be made by calling our local office at 345-8492. 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.
