The Sarnia-area Salvation Army Christmas kettle campaign launches Nov. 14 and the call has gone out for volunteers.
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They’re needed to man kettles at the entrance of retailers during the weeks before Christmas and accept donations for the Salvation Army’s services for those in need.
“A lot of volunteers come back, year after year, but through attrition there are always a few that are unable to,” said local kettle coordinator Brenda Dunn.
Nearly 800 two-hour shifts have to be killed in Sarnia at Metro Northgate, Superstore, Lambton Mall, Canadian Tire and Walmart.
The goal is again to raise $165,000 for the Salvation Army food bank and other family services programs, including assistance with prescription glasses and dental care, rent and utility subsidies, emergency relief and others
“We’re trying our best to meet the needs and assist as many people are we can,” Dunn said.
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Last year’s campaign “came down to the wire” and only surpassed the $165,000 goal on Christmas Eve, she said.
In 2023, more than $172,000 was raised, indicating it may be getting tougher for donors but Dunn added, “Sarnia is an incredibly generous community.”
Kettles are manned between 10 am to 8 pm, accommodating volunteers available during the day or after work and on Saturdays, she said.
The first shifts begin when the campaign kicks off, Nov. 14, at noon, and for the first three weeks will be Thursday, Friday and Saturday, and then Monday to Saturday until Christmas Eve.
No Frills in Corunna collects donations at the checkouts but a kettle there is manned three Saturdays in December from 2 pm to 4 pm Also in December, service clubs man kettles at LCBO locations on Lakeshore Road and Quinn Drive.
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Along with cash and checks, kettles are equipped to accept “tap” electronic donations of $5, $10 or $20 options, Dunn said.
“Mostly, you’re like an ambassador when you’re at the kettle,” she said. “We don’t ask for donations because people will recognize our iconic kettle out and they’ll choose to make a donation or not.”
Volunteers and thank donors and provide “a positive moment when they come by the kettle,” Dunn said.
“Someone ringing the bell, and someone at the kettle,” can make a difference in how successful the campaign is, she said.
Dunn, who has been a kettle volunteer, said donors often share stories about how they, or someone they know, was helped by the Salvation Army.
Potential volunteers are welcome to book a shift to try it out and can then book additional spots, if they wish, she said.
Groups from workplaces, churches and families can volunteer, along with couples and individuals.
“It takes all kinds of volunteers to make this a successful fundraiser,” Dunn said.
Information is available by calling 548-997-0750, or by email at [email protected].
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