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Salvation Army concerned about drop in red kettle donations in Abbotsford-Mission

Organization asks for ‘outpouring of support’ from public to help reach $165K goal
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James and Alan man one of the Salvation Army’s red kettles over the holiday season. The organization, as of Dec. 21, was still $61,000 away from its $165,000 goal. (Submitted photo)

Donations from the Salvation Army’s Red Kettle Campaign are almost 40 per cent away from the 2022 goal as of Wednesday morning (Dec. 21), and organizers are asking for the public’s support.

Kettle coordinator Carolyn Pollard said the campaign for Abbotsford-Mission is currently at about $104,000 – 63 per cent of the $165,000 target.

“This is the week when giving is usually at its peak, but, with the blast of snow and freezing temperatures, most of our kettle hosts are not able to make it out to kettle locations and, with shoppers staying home, we are really concerned that we are not going to be able to reach our goal,” Pollard said.

Major Ian Gillingham said it is “very concerning” for the fundraising goal to be down by that much at this point in the campaign.

“We rely on these funds and, if we do not turn things around quickly, a lot of individuals and families will be missed this year,” he said.

RELATED: Salvation Army presents $600K in Abbotsford for flood recovery

The Christmas Kettle Campaign enables the Salvation Army to work with struggling individuals and families and provide necessities such as food, clothing and shelter.

Donations also support Salvation Army programs such as substance abuse recovery, housing supports, job and life-skills training, and education classes that help people find a way out of poverty, permanently.

“The Christmas kettle is a symbol of help and hope for those in need during the holidays and a direct way for people to make a meaningful impact in their community,” Gillingham said.

“As people are out shopping in the last few days before Christmas, we invite them to give generously at a Christmas kettle. If you are not carrying cash, we have made giving even more convenient with the secure tip tap at the kettles.”

Gillingham said the Salvation Army is hoping for a strong outpouring of support from the public in the next few days. Donations can also be made over the phone by calling 604-852-9305 (ext. 138) and allocating them to the Red Kettle Campaign.

RELATED: Salvation Army’s 2021 kettle campaign raises $152K in Abbotsford-Mission