Woodstock Salvation Army Christmas Kettle Campaign Begins Today

Thursday, 17 November 2022 06:27

By Brad Kraemer

You'll be able to spot the Salvation Army Christmas kettles at several locations in the Friendly City including Walmart, Canadian Tire, Giant Tiger, Zehrs, Sobeys, No Frills, and Food Basics.

WOODSTOCK - The Woodstock Salvation Army has launched its Christmas Kettle Campaign.

The campaign takes place annually until Christmas Eve, and it is the primary fundraiser for the Salvation Army. The Christmas programs, as well as the food bank and the kids' camps in August, are all affected by the money raised for Kettles.

Kettles can be found at Walmart, Canadian Tire, Giant Tiger, Zehrs, Sobeys, No Frills, and Food Basics with other locations pending approval.

According to the Community Ministries Coordinator Noel Sterne, they will be accepting monetary donations, but in order to have a successful campaign, they need an army of volunteers.

"The last couple of years have been difficult with all of the health restrictions that slowed what we could do and obviously what our community could do. This year we don't anticipate the same level of [COVID-19] restrictions, so we really need some volunteers to step up. If you could give an hour or two, even at one point during the Christmas season, that could make a huge difference for us."

The kettles also present a great opportunity for organizations and businesses to show they are bought into the community of Woodstock by sponsoring a kettle.

Sterne also added a "gigantic" thank you to the Friendly City for their continuous efforts to give back to the community.

"I have been a longtime member of the Salvation Army in a number of communities. Woodstock is one of the most generous communities I've been in. Whenever there's a need, they pour out their resources, whether it's non-perishables or their finances."

If you'd like to volunteer, Sterne asks you call the Salvation Army at 519-539-6166.