The Salvation Army’s biggest annual fundraiser has begun.
The 2021 Christmas Kettle Campaign officially kicked off on Thursday, and will see help from some local leaders including Confederation College President Kathleen Lynch, City Manager Norm Gale, as well as the Thunder Bay North Stars and Lakehead Thunderwolves.
The goal for this year is $235,000, which will fund community programs in Thunder Bay and provide assistance to people over Christmas and the coming year.
“This year is slightly higher, I think we put $15,000 more on the goal than last year,” explains Gary Ferguson, Executive Director of The Salvation Army Journey to life Centre. “The funds that we raise go again to the Soup Van, towards Food Bank, towards Shelter, breakfast programs so the funds raised will stay within the community. There has been some inflation in relation to costs of items as well. Groceries have gone up a bit, transportation has gone up, fuel costs have gone up, so we have to compensate for that.”
The 2021 campaign has a new feature for people looking to donate. At any kettle in the city, there is now a tap option where you are able to use your card to donate $5, $10, and $20 on the spot as a way to prevent the spread of COVID-19.
Locations that will be operating between until Friday, December 24 include:
- Intercity Shopping Centre
- Real Canadian Superstore
- Grandview Mall
- Memorial Avenue Walmart
- County Fair Walmart
- Arthur Street Marketplace Walmart
The LCBOs on Arthur Street, Dawson Road, and the Thunder Centre will also be operating from Dec. 1 to Christmas Eve.
The Salvation Army is still looking for volunteers, as many of the regulars are not available this time around because of the pandemic.
If you are not able to make it out to a kettle, you can still donate by calling 345-6492, or by mailing your donations.
