The annual Salvation Army Christmas Kettle Campaign is about to get underway in Chatham-Kent and volunteers are desperately needed.
Chatham-Kent Salvation Army spokesperson Maria Wall told CK News Today that this year's campaign won't have red kettles in Blenheim due to a lack of volunteers and staff to cover all of the shifts across the municipality, noting that this year the red kettles will be in Wallaceburg and Chatham only.
"We are struggling to even be able to do that, we still have tons of shifts open throughout the season," said Wall. "We have always had a hard time getting volunteers but since COVID numbers have gone down drastically. This started during COVID. A big part of our volunteer base has always been seniors and they were asked to stay home and stay safe, therefore they didn’t sign up to do shifts. They never really returned after COVID."
Wall also thinks that fewer people are volunteering because of the uncertain economy, adding that most people can’t afford to volunteer and would rather be earning money to provide for their families.
The campaign kicks off in Chatham on Thursday, November 16, 2023 and runs during the months of November and December. The red kettle campaign starts in Wallaceburg on November, 23, 2023.
Call 519-809-8375 to fill some available shifts. A shift is typically two hours between 10 a.m. and 8 p.m.
Funds raised during the Kettle Campaign are used to continue providing assistance to the community not only at Christmas time but throughout the year.
The red kettles will be at various stores throughout the municipality and are manned by volunteers.
Most locations have machines that accept debit and credit and all that is required is tapping the card on the amount that the donor would like to donate.
Receipts will be issued at the donors request for cash and tap donations. Cheques will be automatically receipted at the end of the year.
Meanwhile, Majors Larry and Marilyn Bridgers will be replacing Major Stephen Holland who was in Chatham-Kent for many years.
Wall said they will be arriving in Chatham this weekend and start their appointment at the Salvation Army of Chatham-Kent next week.
Their goal this year is to raise $500,000.