Volunteers will be out in full force starting this Friday with their unmistakable bells and Christmas kettles to raise money for the Salvation Army’s community programs.
The total amount raised will determine what programs the organization is able to offer next year.
All donations raised in Campbell River stay in Campbell River to support local programs.
The campaign runs from Nov. 23-Dec. 24 and kicks off at Friday’s Storm game, 7: 30 p.m. versus the Oceanside Generals at Rod Brind’Amour Arena.
To mark the occasion, kettles will be set up around the arena and the Salvation Army’s brass group will perform O Canada and lead spectators in some Christmas carols during one of the intermissions.
Last year the Kettle Campaign raised $150,000 and this year the Salvation Army hopes to surpass that mark.
“This year we have a total fundraising goal set at $200,000,” says Kevin Mack, Community Ministries Director at the Salvation Army. “That includes funds collected from the 10 store front kettle locations throughout town, our annual mailer and online giving options.”
Tami Ness, volunteer kettle co-ordinator says kettles will be set up outside Superstore, Save-On Foods, Quality Foods, Thrifty’s, Discovery Foods, Intersport, the Willow Point liquor store, the Liquor Store in Willow Point Village, and two in front of Wal-Mart.
Carollers will also be outside Wal-Mart every Thursday evening starting next week from 6-8 p.m.
The Salvation Army is currently looking for volunteers to man the kettles.
“Looking at the volunteer calendar we are definitely behind where we were last year at this point,” Ness says.
“We have 34 two-hour shifts per day that we are hoping to fill with volunteers for 27 days in total.”
Shifts are typically two hours long anytime between Monday and Saturday from 9 a.m. - 6 p.m. Volunteers can do as many or as little shifts as they would like and everyone is welcome.
“Anyone can volunteer for a kettle,” Ness says.
“You don’t have to be a member (of the Salvation Army) and you can sign up for one two hour shift or however many or little you want to do.”
Anyone interested in volunteering can contact Ness at 250-204-6711.
Donations can be made at any storefront kettle location, online at www.oceancrest.ca or a $5 donation can be made by texting HOPE1009 to 45678.