THUNDER BAY – The Salvation Army’s annual Christmas kettle campaign is lagging behind last year’s total.
Officials with the charity on Thursday announced they have raised about $72,042 in 2016, about $7,000 less than they had by this point in 2015, endangering their ability to hit their $190,000 goal.
“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,” spokeswoman Gail Kromm said in a release.
Demand continues to grow with many people in the city struggling financially.
Money raised is used to fund a number of programs, including a food bank and soup van, which provides meals at two locations each night.
“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.,” Kromm said.
Donations will be accepted until noon on Christmas Eve at a number of locations around Thunder Bay, including Superstore, Intercity Shopping Centre, Grandview Mall, Wal-Mart, and all LCBO outlets.
They can also be collected in an online kettle at www.fillthekettle.com, while credit card donations can be made at the Salvation Army’s local office at 345-8492.
“The Salvation Army appreciates the support we receive from the community and is certain that our objective will be reached,” Kromm said.
