There was a reason to smile as the Salvation Army Simcoe launched its 2023 Christmas Kettle campaign on Friday morning.
Article content
That’s because Tim Hortons locations in Simcoe will be donating proceeds from the sale of Holiday Smile Cookies to this year’s fundraising drive.
Article content
The inaugural Holiday Smile Cookie campaign runs until November 19.
“We were really excited to give back for Simcoe to the Salvation Army,” said Mary Blakemore, who with her husband Khair Saffouri own the Tim Hortons restaurants in Simcoe’s White Horse Plaza, and Port Dover. “What better way to start your Christmas holidays by giving back to the community.”
Terri Simmons, Community and Family Services manager at the Salvation Army Simcoe, said there have already been more than 500 applications from families in Norfolk who need extra assistance at Christmas.
“All of the funds that come in at Christmas support us throughout the coming year,” Simmons explained. “That enables us to do all the programs we offer throughout the regular season.”
Article content
Along with the Christmas hamper program, Salvation Army Simcoe also provides more than a dozen social service programs including an emergency food resource, a community Christmas dinner, conflict and anger management for adults and teens, clothing and other essentials for families in need.
The fundraising goal is $310,000 to provide those services, with the Christmas Kettle campaign aiming to raise $155,000. The remainder comes through a letter-writing appeal to past donors asking for their continued support.
“Norfolk County has amazing community donors and supporters,” Simmons said. “We can’t thank our community enough for supporting everyone. The need is great.”
The kettles will be in 12 locations throughout Norfolk County, and volunteers are still needed to fill 600 volunteer hours – each shift requiring as little as two hours – over the 32 days of the campaign.
For more information on volunteering for the Christmas Kettle campaign call the Salvation Army Simcoe office at 519-426-3640.
Share this article in your social network