ON November 15, The Salvation Army launched its annual Christmas Kettle Campaign, which raises funds to provide food and toys for families in need during the holiday season. Simcoe’s branch celebrated with a kickoff event at Real Canadian Superstore.

Doug Montgomery, kettle co-ordinator for The Salvation Army’s Simcoe branch, told the Maple Leaf about the organization’s launch event and campaign.

“The kickoff involved a few words from Major Ken Ritson [of] Salvation Army Simcoe [and] myself, thanking volunteers and sponsors, and Christmas music from the S.A. Band,” he shared.

The Kettle Campaign is The Salvation Army’s largest fundraiser. Donations help fund the organization’s Christmas hamper program, which provides goods to assist families at Christmas, and the Simcoe Food Bank, an emergency food resource for local families in need.

“Residents should consider supporting the campaign as every dollar raised in Norfolk stays in Norfolk,” Mr. Montgomery said.

Community members can support the campaign by donating at The Salvation Army’s kettles around Norfolk County, at the organization’s local branch, 184 Colborne Street North, Simcoe, or via phone at (519) 426-5420. Kettle locations are:
– Port Dover—No Frills, LCBO, and Silver Lake Market (Saturdays only).
– Waterford—Foodland and LCBO.
– Delhi—Independent Grocers.
– Simcoe—Canadian Tire, Giant Tiger, LCBO, Real Canadian Superstore, Sobeys, and Walmart.

The organization’s local fundraising goal is $312,000, up $2,000 from 2023.

“Last year we reached $310,000 with about 47 per cent directly in the kettles and the balance from our Letter Appeal,” Mr. Montgomery said. The Salvation Army typically solicits support for its campaign through a letter appeal mailed to homes.

“To date we are well off our target. We did not put our letter appeal into the mail due to the postal situation. We encourage donors to stop at the Salvation Army Church… or put their cheque into any kettle. Charitable receipts will be sent out in the new year.”

The group is also seeking volunteer support.

“Volunteers are needed to stand with the kettles. We have 1,190 shifts of two hours each to fill. There are also some ongoing needs at Family Services (519-426-3640).

“We have just passed 1,000 shifts filled but there are still some vacancies. This surpasses the 970 shifts filled in [2023]. We could not do what we do without the support of the amazing Norfolk volunteers.”

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Originally published December 18, 2024