With five days remaining before Christmas, the Salvation Army is reaching out to the public to support its annual Kettle Campaign. As of Dec. 20, the campaign has raised $15.7 million in donations, which is $5.3 million behind its $21-million national fund-raising goal.
Locally, the Sally Ann is short of its goal. The Comox Valley branch still needs $90,000 before Christmas.
“We are asking our friends and neighbours to return the envelopes that were sent out in November, and to remember the less fortunate as they pass by the red kettles while they are out shopping for Christmas gifts for their loved ones,” community ministries director Brent Hobden said.
The Christmas Kettle Campaign enables Salvation Army units to help individuals and families with basic necessities such as food, clothing and shelter. Contributions also support life-changing programs, such as substance abuse recovery, housing supports, job and skills training, and budgeting and education classes, which help people find a way out of poverty, permanently. Each donation to a kettle remains in the community where it was given, in order to help local people in need. Last year, the Salvation Army helped more than 1.7 million people.
Donations can also be made at www.FilltheKettle.com, www.SalvationArmy.ca, or by calling 1-800-SAL-ARMY (725-2769).
Supporters can host their own online kettle, created at www.FilltheKettle.com.