The largest fundraiser of the year for The Salvation Army has started once again, this time with a goal of $260,000.
By raising that amount the organization will be able to continue to meet the demands for its programs in Thunder Bay that provide practical assistance over Christmas and through the coming year.
Some of those programs include its food bank and soup van nightly meal program, both of which the organization claims is experiencing rising numbers.
Some nights, our Soup Van is serving up to 240people per night including families with young children and seniors who just can’t make ends meet. More families are asking for our assistance for the first time. As winter sets in, we are concerned that the need will grow.
The Kettle Campaign will see volunteers set up shop in various locations seeking donations to help fund those programs.
But even before the bells started ringing the drive had already its gotten a big $20,000 boost from several local businesses and organizations. With $4,155 in proceeds from Pop’s Kettle Corn sold at Canadian Tire stores here in the city, a $6,000 dollar donation from Ontario Power Generation and a massive $10,000 donation from the Fort William Rotary Club.
Kettles can be found at several locations across the city between now and December 24th.
While cash is always accepted those who wish to donate can also use tap, as the Salvation Army has partnered with tiptap, which offers tap-and-go.
Last year some 704 volunteers logged more than 2500 hours at the Kettles.
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