KENTVILLE, N.S. — It takes the efforts of an army of volunteers to make the season brighter for families struggling at Christmas – and throughout the year.
The Kentville Salvation Army is looking for volunteers to help make the 2019 Christmas Kettle Campaign another successful endeavor. Campaign co-ordinator Phil Warren of Kentville, who took over last year from long-time co-ordinator Les Harris, said the experience was “excellent.”
“I really enjoyed having an opportunity to work with the number of volunteers that I did, and people are very supportive of the program and really stepped forward to make it a success,” Warren said.
In fact, last year’s campaign was another record-setter for the Kentville Salvation Army. The overall goal was set at $175,000, including targets of $115,000 from kettle donations and $60,000 from walk-in and mail-in donations. A total of $181,250.95 was collected, including $117,551.80 from the kettles and $63,699.15 from walk-ins and mail-ins. In 2017, the campaign generated a total of $168,826.
With the same goals being set this year as last, organizers hope to once again exceed them. However, it isn’t possible without volunteer support. It takes 40 to 60 people a day to operate. Warren said many have been doing it for years. They look forward to it and find it rewarding but the campaign needs more people willing to give of their time.
He said they’re urging more businesses and organizations to participate by looking after a kettle location for an entire day, for example. This can help build morale and it’s very helpful to the Salvation Army in meeting its objectives.
For Majors Kirk and Sharon MacLeod, this is their first year with the Kentville Salvation Army. Kirk said they appreciate the officers and co-ordinators who came before them and worked diligently to make the Kentville campaign such a success.
He said they’ve learned very quickly in their short time here how much the community, including other churches, not-for-profits, businesses, organizations and individuals, have supported these efforts. Kirk said they look forward to working with them this year.
He points out that the campaign helps families and children in Valley communities who are struggling financially at Christmas, but funds raised also support the work of the Salvation Army throughout the year. This could be in the form of heating assistance or help paying for medications, for example. The level of need has increased over the years.
The campaign kicks-off on Nov. 15 and 16. It resumes on Nov. 22 and 23 and then runs from Nov. 25 to Dec. 24 with the exception of Sundays.
Volunteers are needed to look after kettles from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. every day of the campaign. Shifts can be as short as two hours. If you would like to volunteer, call Warren at 902-690-5016 or email [email protected]. An appreciation night will be held in January to celebrate the efforts of campaign volunteers.
For more information, call the Kentville Salvation Army at 902-678-2039 Ext. 1.
DID YOU KNOW?
- There are 14 kettle locations this year, including Canadian Tire, the County Fair Mall, Sobeys, Atlantic Superstore, Walmart and Giant Tiger in New Minas; Foodland, Independent Grocer and the NSLC in Kentville; the NSLC, Sobeys and the Atlantic Superstore in Windsor; the NSLC in Wolfville and the NSLC in Berwick.
- On the last two Saturdays of the campaign, the Dukes of Kent will be performing at the County Fair Mall kettle location.
- Volunteers Mike and Lynda Carter will once again be collecting toy donations through the Angel Tree at the County Fair Mall in December.
- People have the option of donating by credit card over the phone at 902-678-2039 Ext. 1 or at the church. People can host an online kettle or make an online donation at www.fillthekettle.com and selecting “Kentville.”
- Last year, 529 families were helped at Christmas. With the help of the 11 congregations that make up the Kentville and New Minas Area Council of Churches, 524 of these families received food hampers. Toys and gifts were provided to 632 children age 16 and under.
