With donations to the Christmas kettle campaign down significantly, the Salvation Army has issued an urgent appeal to Londoners for financial help.
As of Monday, the annual fundraiser that kicked off on November 21, had brought in $382,000. That is $31,000 short of the $413,000 it raised over the same time last year.
“The campaign is falling behind significantly,” Salvation Army spokesperson Shannon Wise said in a statement. “The need in our community is so great, we can’t afford not to reach our goal.”
The Salvation Army is trying to raise $550,000 through the kettle campaign by Christmas Eve.
"Money raised through the kettle campaign allows the Salvation Army to continue giving people in our community the tools they need to rebuild dignity and renew hope–whether that’s through our Christmas Hamper Program, emergency disaster relief, shelter or life-skills development,” added Wise.
The kettle campaign is the non-profit agency's largest public fundraising drive of the year.
There are more than 50 kettles inside of a variety of businesses throughout the city. Donations can also be made online at www.salvationarmy.ca.
In addition to monetary support, the Salvation Army is also looking for volunteers to staff the kettles. Anyone interested in doing so can sign up at www.londonchristmaskettles.ca or by calling (519) 873-2984.
