The familiar ringing of the bells and red kettle at the entry of stores and in shopping malls is a signal–the holidays are approaching, and so is the call for donations to the annual Salvation Army’s Christmas Kettle Campaign. Demand for services continues to be high for the charity, as does a need for volunteers to help with its biggest fundraiser of the year.
Crystal Hanson, Kettle Coordinator for the St. Albert Salvation Army, says in her six years volunteering with the organization, she’s only seen the need for services grow.
“It really hit home when I’d see people I recognized from my neighbourhood come in. Need is everywhere, especially since COVID and with rising inflation,” she said, adding everyone feels the pinch from higher grocery bills. “We work with other agencies, like the St. Albert Food Bank, and sometimes we get donations of food in our fridge and freezer. It’s free for anyone to take what they need, and it’s always gone in a day.”
Hanson says while the Salvation Army offers year-round support in the community through programs like youth sports and hangouts, men’s breakfasts, yoga classes and more, the holiday season presents added challenges to maintain its ability to provide for those in need.
“There’s a toy store here at Christmas time with the Kinettes, and we host a free Santa’s breakfast too,” she adds. “Whatever services help families and individuals–a coupon to get a winter coat at LoSeCa, for example, we’re here to help; no questions asked.”
This year’s Kettle Campaign has a fundraising goal of $350,000; funds to help the St. Albert Salvation Army keep its building open and running, and able to offer all its programs and services. ( (The St. Albert branch also serves residents in Morinville, Spruce Grove and Stony Plain).
The campaign kicked off Nov. 12 and goes through to Christmas Eve, with kettles and volunteers stationed at several locations around St. Albert from Monday to Saturday each week. Sites include WalMart, Superstore, SaveOn Foods - Village Landing, St. Albert Centre, Pearson’s Your Independent Grocer, and Costco. Volunteers and kettles will also be at The Enjoy Centre each Saturday through the season at its Christmas Market event.
“People really get in the spirit of giving once it snows,” added Hanson. “And every coin, every dollar helps. It all adds up.”
Bhreagh Rowe, community ministries officer for the St. Albert Salvation Army, says while the bulk of the funds for the Kettle Campaign come from cash donations dropped in the bubble, many people drop in with cheques, or even put a cheque in the kettle, as part of their charitable giving for the year. All donated funds contribute to the $350,000 goal, she says, adding volunteers can even issue on-site charitable donation slips for amounts of $25 and up. Besides cash, volunteers can accept debit and credit donations too.
“It’s our only fundraiser of the year, and St. Albert residents are always so generous,” Rowe said. “We know there are many charities that need donations, and we love all our partner agencies. Ours tries to fill gaps in service, and we have very low administrative costs, so every dollar raised stays in the community.”
Volunteers are at the heart of the campaign, but Rowe adds that the dedicated base is aging. New volunteers, from sports teams and youth groups, to parents and their kids, are welcome and needed to sign up for the two-hour shifts.
“Even volunteering a couple of hours together as a family is a nice way to show the next generation about giving back, and it’s fun for the kids,” Rowe said.
To volunteer for a shift at the kettle campaign, email [email protected] or call the Salvation Army St. Albert office, at 780-458-1937.
