Demand for the St. Albert Salvation Army’s services is high, and so is interest in volunteering for the charity’s Christmas Kettle Campaign, says community ministries officer Bhreagh Rowe.
Many old volunteers are returning now that COVID seems like less of a threat, Rowe said.
But the campaign is also finding new fans — especially young parents.
“I think it’s just this real desire to raise our kids up two ways: knowing how blessed they are … in many situations, we have food on our table; we have a roof over our head,” Rowe said. “And just wanting them to understand at a very young age how important it is to give back to the community, and how fun it can be as well.”
The Kettle Campaign, which sends volunteers to spots around the city to collect donations, started on Tuesday, Nov. 14 and will run until Dec. 23. It ends a day earlier than usual this year because Christmas Eve is on a Sunday when the Salvation Army is closed.
If you see the trademark red bucket and volunteers clothed in red, consider donating, but don’t worry if you don’t have cash, Rowe said. Volunteers accept debit and credit.
Inflation has increased demand at the Salvation Army, Rowe said, making the fundraiser more important than ever as Kettle Campaign donations make up 80 per cent of the St. Albert Salvation Army’s annual budget.
“We’re seeing an increase in individuals who may not historically access services … people who maybe have two incomes in their house,” she said.
More St. Albertans are accessing the charity’s free and low-cost services, such as its café, which sells coffee and baked goods at a low price, and its drop-in programs for youth.
Rowe said that the St. Albert Salvation Army may create new fundraisers to keep up with demand.
Volunteers collecting donations for the Kettle Campaign will be at retail locations throughout St. Albert. Expect to see them at both Walmart locations, the St. Albert Mall, Superstore, London Drugs, and as we move further into the holiday season, at the Save-On-Foods in Village Landing and at Costco.
