The bells will be a-jingling this weekend as the Salvation Army kicks off its annual kettle campaign on Friday, Nov. 25 in front of stores across Port Alberni.
“We’re hoping to raise about $50,000,” kettle campaign organizer Don Bee said.
That’s about the same amount the Salvation Army raised last year, he added.
The funds are used in the food bank and family services programs.
“The money all stays right here in Port,” Bee said.
Kettles rely on cash or cheque donations from shoppers, Bee said. Tax receipts are available from kettle volunteers for donations more than $15, if people ask for them.
“Failing that, they can come here (to the Salvation Army on Fourth Avenue and Redford Street) and make a donation if they want a tax receipt,” he said.
Kettles will be located at Walmart, Tyler’s No Frills, Buy-Low Foods, Save-On-Foods, Fairway Market, Quality Foods and the BC Liquor Store on 10th Avenue from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. every day until Dec. 23, and until noon on Dec. 24, provided enough volunteers step up (and depending on stores’ closing times). Shifts are usually two hours long.
“We’re looking to get anywhere from 80 to 100 volunteers so we can man every shift,” Bee said.
Any effort to staff a kettle is appreciated, he added. “We will never have enough volunteers. More are always appreciated. Some will do a single kettle for the season, some for a day, some for a shift. We’ll even have (individuals) who adopt a kettle for a day.”
Anyone wishing to volunteer with a kettle can reach Bee by phone at 250-723-6913 or 250-731-8167 (cell), or e-mail avkettles@shaw.ca.