The Salvation Army needs help from the community to reach its Christmas kettle campaign fundraising goal.
Josh Howard, captain/corps officer, says $145,789.21 has been raised during the current campaign. However, time is running out to meet the $175,000 goal.
“We know that the generosity is there from the community to make donations,” Howard says. “Where we are at right now is we need volunteers for shifts from now until Dec. 23.”
Meeting the fundraising goal is “critical” for local families in need this holiday season, he says, noting money that is given to the Salvation Army in Orillia stays in the area.
“We are seeing more need this year than we have in other years,” he said. “At Christmastime, but also year-round, more people need assistance with food and day-to-day needs.”
This year, many who are accessing the Salvation Army services never previously thought they would need assistance, Howard says.
“We are seeing an increase in the cost of living across the board,” he said. “That’s having an impact on all sectors, people, and families big and small.”
Those who want to volunteer with the kettle campaign can call the campaign co-ordinator at 705-345-2601. Shifts are typically within two-hour increments between 10 a.m. and 8 p.m.
Howard says working a kettle shift can be rewarding.
“It’s not just seeing people being generous and giving donations, but it’s also about the opportunity to talk to someone who is willing to share how the Salvation Army has impacted them,” he said. “For a lot of people, there is a lasting legacy of being able to support the Salvation Army.”
For some, supporting the Salvation Army is a way to give back in honour of a loved one or a friend who was once helped by the organization.
“The Salvation Army continues to give to everybody and anybody in need,” Howard said. “To me, it’s all about that moment of connecting with someone and letting them tell their story of how kettles have impacted their life.”
Howard, who moved to Orillia from Winnipeg early this year, thanks the community for its support.
“For my wife and I, this is our first Christmas in Orillia,” he said. “We are amazed and blessed by the generosity of support that this community has for the Salvation Army, and for that we say thank you.”
