(Photo: CNW Group/The Salvation Army)
Christmas Kettles are back — the Salvation Army’s 2015 campaign kicked off Monday.
The organization “has provided hope and dignity for more than 130 years through the generosity of our donors and volunteers,” said Major Les Marshall.
Hosted at more than 2,000 locations across Canada, the holiday campaign is the organization’s largest fundraising drive of the year “and would not be possible without the thousands of kettle workers who volunteer their time,” said Marshall.
Now in its 125th year, the annual campaign collects donations to help millions of Canadians living in poverty by setting up in shopping malls and grocery and big box stores.
The fundraising target is $21 million; contributions are distributed to local Salvation Army units in 400 communities nationwide help individuals and families with the basic necessities of life, such as food, clothing and shelter.
Donations also allow The Salvation Army to continue operating life-changing programs, such as substance abuse recovery, housing supports, job and skills training, budgeting and education classes, which help people find a way out of poverty, permanently.
Every donation to a Christmas Kettle remains in the community in which it was given, in order to help local people in need.
More than 1.85 million people in need were helped in 2014.
-Kelly Roche
@qewsouthpost
@qewsouthpost
qewsouthpost.com 