The Salvation Army Kettle Campaign begins today in Cochrane, running all the way until Christmas Eve.
The campaign is in desperate need of volunteers – kind souls with a few hours to spare over the next six weeks to spread Christmas cheer, ring a bell and hand out candy canes to those able to spare some change for the most famous street campaign for the Sally Ann.
“We are seeing some increase in some of our family-based programs due to the floods this year, so there has never been a better time to donate,” explained Captain Pam Goodyear, spokesperson for the Alberta and Northwest Territories division of the Salvation Army Kettle Campaign.
Cochrane is part of the greater Calgary and area campaign. The goal is to raise $1 million, but the 2012 campaign saw a decrease in donations, $866,000, compared to over $900,000 raised in 2011.
“I think one of the greatest challenges for us is volunteers,” explained Goodyear. “And every year it seems to be a little more of a struggle.”
With an aging volunteer base, the hope is to get more youth involved. Previous years have seen involvement from students of Cochrane schools, and the hope is to build on this in the years to come.
The kettles will be set up at Mark’s No Frills, Safeway and Sobeys Tuesdays through Saturdays from 11 a.m.-8 p.m.
Those who are available for volunteer shifts (2-3 hour slots) can call Cochrane coordinator, Lisa Wagantall at 587-438-9485.
Cochrane and area families in need can reach out to any Calgary Salvation Army outlet for assistance.
