The Salvation Army Guelph has only reached 39 per cent of its $160,000 goal and have raised $62,000.
To raise money people are asked to donate to the Salvation Army’s Christmas Kettle Campaign.
“We understand inflation is affecting everyone differently. The smallest donation to The Salvation Army’s Christmas Campaign has a significant impact on the most vulnerable as our programs and services transform lives right here in Guelph,” said lead pastor of Salvation Army Guelph Peter van Duinen, in a press release.
“The Christmas Kettle Campaign is our primary fundraiser, to support all of the community outreach work that we do, not just at Christmas, but all year round. I mean, the funds that are raised will certainly help with ensuring that ... we've got about 1,200 families who are registered for Christmas, food and toy hampers,” said van Duinen in an interview with GuelphToday.
The Salvation Army Guelph supported 11,000 families in 2021 and the number has since grown to 14,000 in 2022.
Even if people cannot donate monetarily the Salvation Army would be happy to take toy donations, said van Duinen.
“If they're able to donate some time by standing at one of our Christmas kettles, ringing the little kettlebells. I mean, the more shifts that were able to fill with volunteers, then the better,” he said.
The people Salvation Army helps is increasing and “the cost of providing practical support is increasing,” said van Duinen.
“I think readers need to know that we are tremendously grateful for the way people have been able to donate so far. We're just really encouraging people that they haven't given yet. Or perhaps they've given monetarily, but now maybe they have a little bit of time that they can give between now and Christmas Eve standing on the kettle. We would really appreciate that support,” said van Duinen.
There are 12 Christmas Kettles in Guelph all of the LCBO and Zehrs locations, Costco, Walmart Woodlawn and Stone Road Mall.
