THUNDER BAY -- The Salvation Army needs its kettles filled to keep helping those in need in this city.
Volunteers with bells in hand are back again as of Thursday morning, kicking off one of the most iconic Christmas campaigns as Salvation Army kettles go up throughout the city. Last year the effort surpassed a goal of $170,000 by more than $6,000.
So this year, the Salvation Army is hoping for $175,000.
"We didn't want to be pushy, we don't want to be too greedy. We're asking for what we need in order to do what we're doing," Salvation Army executive director Maj. Rob Kerr said.
The money goes into the Salvation Army's food bank, breakfast program, community dinners and staffing for its soup van program, which runs every night of the year.
"It's a main source of revenue. Without it we wouldn't be able to do what we do," he said.
Even though the van itself is off the streets, the program is still being run out of different vehicles. Kerr said they're going to run a separate fundraiser to get a new van.
More than 30 local realtors were helping kick off the campaign to help celebrate the Thunder Bay real Estate Board's 100 th anniversary. President Diane Erickson said it's just one way the board is using the anniversary to help local charities.
"We want to give back to the community that supports us," she said.
The kettle campaign still needs more volunteers from now until Dec. 24. Last year more than 850 volunteers spent more than 1,800 hours at the kettles. Anyone interested can call 345-6492.
