THUNDER BAY -- For Major Mervyn Halvorsen, the best part of the annual Salvation Army Christmas Kettle campaign is meeting people.
Whether it’s the volunteers manning the kettles throughout town or the people who donate when it’s his turn on the kettles, it’s what makes the campaign exciting.
This year’s goal is $160,000. While last year’s goal was a little less at $150,000, the donations exceeded that goal and the campaign raised $180,000.
“Last year the heart of Thunder Bay was shown,” said Halvorsen. “We were able to raise $180,000 and it was needed. Every penny was spent here in Thunder Bay.”
The money raised through the Christmas Kettle campaign goes towards Christmas toys and gifts and food for families, but also to school breakfast programs and anti-anger and anti-bullying campaigns.
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The Salvation Army also averages 368 people per month accessing their food bank and the funding from the kettle campaign also makes it possible for the soup van to be out every night.
Halvorsen said the soup van serves at least 100 people each night and amongst those in line are children and infants.
“Every year there are so many people that have needs. They’re not able to make all the payments so they go without food sometimes or they go without clothing,” he said.
Kettles will be located from Nov. 16 until Dec. 24 at Intercity Shopping Centre, Superstore, Grandview Mall, Wal-Mart and at the Arthur Street, Dawson Road and Thunder Centre LCBO stores.
Anyone interested in volunteering should call 345-6492.
