The Salvation Army is hoping to raise $310,000 with this year’s Christmas Kettle Campaign.
The annual fundraiser launched on Thursday and will run until Christmas Eve.
All of the money raised will go towards the Salvation Army’s local community programs in Thunder Bay, including the charity’s soup van, breakfast program, shelter, and various other community and family services.
Gary Ferguson, Executive Director of the Salvation Army’s Journey to Life Centre, says the kettle campaign makes up a significant chunk of the group’s budget.
Ferguson says economic conditions, such as the unemployment rate and tariffs, affect demand for the organization’s services.
“The demographics have changed in the service that we’re providing currently,” he explains. “We’re seeing a younger population that is accessing our services. We’re seeing more mental health issues in our community, and we’re seeing a lot of addictions. All of these play together to create situations of homelessness and disparity.”
The campaign is still looking for volunteers to man the kettles situated throughout the city.
“I can’t say enough about the people in the community helping us, because without their help, we just couldn’t do the great work that we’re doing,” Ferguson adds.
