Captain Stephanie Watkinson speaking at the launch of their Christmas campaign. November 16, 2016. (Photo by Natalia Vega)Captain Stephanie Watkinson speaking at the launch of their Christmas campaign. November 16, 2016. (Photo by Natalia Vega)
Chatham

Salvation Army Kicks Off Christmas Campaign

'Tis the season for red kettles to start appearing on sidewalks around Chatham-Kent.

The Salvation Army has officially launched their annual Christmas campaign.

Captain Stephanie Watkinson says their goal is to raise $450,000.

"This is actually the same target as last year, it's what we need to run our year-round programs," says Watkinson.

The campaign launch started with a dinner at the Club Lentina in Chatham Wednesday night, with guest speaker Joe Roberts.

"He is pushing a shopping cart across Canada to raise money and awareness to end youth homelessness," says Watkinson.

With the increased need for their services, Watkinson says every penny they're able to raise is needed.

"Whether it's the food bank, whether it's hydro assistance, whether it's just general support through our programs we're seeing a need twelve months of the year," says Watkinson. "People are just not making ends meet, so they come to use for support."

Watkinson says kettles will be stationed in Chatham, Wallaceburg, Ridgetown, and Blenheim for the next five weeks.

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