A donation being dropping into a Christmas Kettle - File Photo
Worry continues for an annual fundraiser as unprecedented times cause an increase in the need for assistance.
The Salvation Army has officially launched its 2020 Christmas Kettle Campaign, their largest public fundraiser of the year.
However, due to COVID-19, the number of people in need of assistance has skyrocketed to heights not seen in decades, said Major Jamie Locke, divisional secretary for public relations and development.
“In the days following World War II, the Salvation Army were called into action,” he said.
“These days of the pandemic are reminiscent of those days, where we are seeing an increased demand upon our services, whether that be food, shelter or clothing.”
With the financial strain of the pandemic, many individuals and families who have never asked for or needed help are now turning to the Salvation Army, making the need to raise funds through the kettle more important than ever, Locke said.
“It’s absolutely critical we raise the funds needed that were predetermined through our budgeting process,” he said.
“To continue with our programs and services all throughout the Maritimes, those funds are needed. This year, we’ve had to institute two new options for people to give, including electronic giving right at the kettle and enhanced giving online.”
The Salvation Army has set a regional goal of $1.8 million this year due to the increased demand.
The pandemic has also forced them to look at how they run the Kettle Campaign differently as well, which includes running more unsupervised kettles and holding COVID-19 specific training for those running kettles.
“Our volunteers and our staff have been trained on things like wearing a mask, frequent washing and using hand sanitizer, and we are ever sanitizing the kettle itself,” said Locke,” So we are doing everything we can to abide by the COVID-19 safety measures.”
However, for those who aren’t comfortable donating in person, or don’t come across a kettle this season, Locke says anyone can donate by calling 1-800-SAL-ARMY or by visiting their online donation site.
With files from Cheyenne Nelson.
