With just days left until Christmas, the Salvation Army in London is asking for community support to reach its kettle campaign goal.
On Monday, the faith-based organization said it needs “urgent support” to meet its target of $550,000 in London. So far, the campaign has brought in $444,181 locally, or just over 80 per cent of this year’s goal.
The iconic campaign, which has been around in Canada for over 125 years, needs funds to help individuals and families with the necessities of life, such as food, clothing and shelter. The Salvation Army said it is faced with challenges this year due to inflation and sky-high grocery bills.
“Christmas Kettle donations transforms lives including helping local people in your community out of poverty permanently,” said Nancy Kerr, executive director for the Salvation Army London Community and Family Services in a release. “We need your help to assist more people achieve their goals.”
According to a recent national survey conducted by the Salvation Army, around 30 per cent more families with children have turned to the organization recently for help as a result of inflation. It expects this need will only increase over the winter months as the survey also showed many Ontarians struggle to put enough food on the table.
Donations made to a Christmas Kettle in London are used to fill the local food banks and offer clothing, toys, emergency shelter and programming to the city’s vulnerable population.
Kerr is thanking the community for their generosity so far, and is hopeful the organization will see a last-minute push needed to meet the campaign goal.
“When you see one of our iconic red Christmas Kettles while shopping this week, please consider donating, it will go a long way in providing hope to the most vulnerable,” said Kerr.
The goal set for the London-area is part of the Salvation Army’s provincial target of $13.5 million.
Those interested in supporting the campaign can donate cash to kettles located at a number of shopping areas and malls in the city. Kettles are also equipped with “TIPTAP” giving individuals the option to donate with their debit or credit card. Donations are also accepted online at www.salvationarmy.ca or by phone at 1-800-SAL-ARMY
