The Salvation Army's annual Christmas kettle campaign launch included a surprise award presentation.
During the annual "Hope in the Valley" event on Saturday, Nov. 16, Courtenay-Alberni MP Gord Johns presented Major Michael Ramsay with a King Charles III Coronation Medal for his role with the Port Alberni Salvation Army. Johns said the medal honours Ramsay's commitment to bringing together other social agencies for the betterment of the community.
"I'm so humbled to be able to watch you in action," Johns told Ramsay on Nov. 16. "I always beg [the Salvation Army] to never let you leave the Valley," he added with a laugh.
Ramsay, after receiving the medal, took the opportunity to thank all the people around him.
"This is really humbling," he said. "This medal reflects everything that every single one of you is doing. Every one of you is out there helping every day. This is an honour and it really speaks to the work that each and every person here does."
The annual Hope in the Valley event takes place each year to mark the start of the Salvation Army's Christmas kettle campaign, which raises funds for people in need during the holiday season. This year's event, which took place at the Italian Hall Events Centre, included a dinner catered by Bakers Dozen, a silent auction and entertainment provided by dancers from MacKenzie School of Dance.
Ramsay shared just a few of the statistics from the Salvation Army's charitable work over the past year. In 2024, the Bread of Life kitchen provided 112,500 hot meals. The kitchen also provided more than 90,000 meals for the Friendship Centre's Tiny Home Village on Fourth Avenue.
The Bread of Life shelter, which is operated by the Salvation Army, provided beds for 2,000 people, plus an additional 500 people during extreme weather.
"10 of the people who stayed with us this year, staff was able to find them permanent housing," said Ramsay.
The Salvation Army's food truck served more than 7,000 meals in 2024, said Ramsay, and funding from donors ensured that 33 kids were able to go to summer camp this year, some for the very first time. Donations also provided 144 children with backpacks full of school supplies and provided 1,120 lunches for children during the summer months.
"All of you have contributed to this and so much more," Ramsay told the audience on Nov. 16.
Johns praised the work that the Salvation Army does in Port Alberni throughout the year, not just during the holidays.
"It's truly heroes' work," he said. "We know just how valuable this service is, serving the most vulnerable. And it's coming from a place of empathy, compassion and love."
Councillors from the City of Port Alberni echoed Johns' comments.
"I really don't know what our community would look like without you and your organization," Coun. Debbie Haggard told Ramsay. "You and your whole team make this community a much better place. We're now entering into a season of giving. I know it's hard for a lot of people, but I always say dimes turn into dollars. Let's give whatever we can — not just during this season, but every time of the year."
She encouraged those who don't have money to donate their time with a kettle shift. Anyone interested in volunteering for a kettle shift can text 613-539-3004, email albernivalley.kettles@salvationarmy.ca or call 250-723-6913 ext. 231.
