It’s time to ring those bells again.
The Salvation Army launches its largest national fundraising campaign and one of the most recognized fundraising events of the year in British Columbia this week.
The annual Christmas Kettle Campaign kicks off in Vernon Thursday at the Save On Foods location at the Village Green Mall from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. over the next four weeks.
The Salvation Army’s iconic red kettles will line the community at 13 locations across Vernon. The total Christmas goal is to raise $500,000 in an effort to feed, clothe and assist individuals and families in desperate need of support this season.
As one of Canada’s most storied fundraising campaigns - this year marks the 112th year the organization has asked the public to help Vernonites living in poverty.
This 2017 campaign is particularly important due to the increase in demand for services. As the cost of living continues to rise in British Columbia, an estimated 10 per cent of our population will live at or below the poverty line this year, and turn to the services provided by The Salvation Army as a result.
“The face of poverty is changing,” said spokesperson Deb Lowell. “Today we’re not only seeing growth in the number of people using our services, we are seeing a spike in working families, single parents who are employed and seniors using our services. In order to meet the demand and provide people with the basic necessities in life, we need the public’s help in a big way this year.”
With a goal of $500,000 in Vernon, The Salvation Army is asking the public to give generously this Christmas season. Every dollar raised in Vernon will stay here to help people in our local community!
People can get involved a number of ways:
- they can volunteer on a kettle;
- they can drop off clothing at one of the Salvation Army’s thrift stores;
- they can drop food donations off at The Salvation Army House of Hope;
- they can bring a gift to a local Angel tree location.
“The best way to help this Christmas season is to donate,” said Lt. Stefan L. Reid, Corps officer/executive director of the Salvation Army in Vernon. “You can donate at a kettle in the community or go online and donate at www.vernonhouseofhope.com.”
- If you are in the Vernon area Thursday, you can drop your donation off between 11 a.m. and 6 p.m. at Save On Foods location at the Village Green Mall.
Funds raised during the Christmas Kettle Campaign will stay locally to provide individuals and families the basic necessities such as food, clothing, and other provisions, not only over the Christmas season, but throughout the entire year.
Last year, The Salvation Army helped more than 1.85 million people in need.