With local need rising and the holidays approaching, the Salvation Army kicked off its annual Christmas Kettle Campaign Thursday evening.
Salvation Army representatives, elected officials, and members of the public gathered at Orillia Citadel Thursday evening to begin the campaign with Christmas carols and hot chocolate.
Captain Josh Howard pointed out the difficulties people have experienced over the past year, and highlighted the importance of donations to support the Salvation Army’s continued presence in the community.
“Over the course of the last year, more and more people have faced hardship, and they've needed our assistance,” Howard said. “All of these moments were an opportunity for us to give the gift of our presence, and this gift was made possible by your support. As we enter the Christmas season, we know we will see our greatest request for assistance.”
This year marks the familiar campaign’s 119th year in Canada, with Christmas kettles found in over 2,000 communities across the country.
All donations made locally stay within the community to support the Salvation Army’s local initiatives,Howard stressed.
“We've provided emergency assistance with food security, clothing needs, transportation assistance, and household goods,” Howard explained. “We've also offered other services such as visiting seniors’ residences, disaster response, and serving upwards of 200 meals through our vehicle parked right here beside us each and every Friday night.”
The Salvation Army’s fundraising goal for this Christmas season is $175,000.
The first official donations were given by local Legion president Rick Purcell, Ladies Auxilliary president Barbara Allen and secretary/treasurer Muriel McArthur, and the Army Navy & Airforce Veterans Unit 400.
Simcoe North MPP Jill Dunlop, MP Adam Chambers, and Coun. Janet-Lynne Durnford, on behalf of Mayor Don McIsaac, were on hand to highlight the importance of the annual kettle campaign.
“I can't think of another organization that brings together so many volunteers and raises money that stays in the community and goes to the direct benefit of people in our community who are really in need,” Durnford said.
“There's a lot of need this year; things are very difficult, as we all know coming out of the pandemic, and it's needed more than ever and I hope that it’s very successful.”
The campaign runs from Nov. 26 to Christmas Eve. Those interested in volunteering can reach out to kettle coordinator Christina Distefano at (705) 345-2601.
