Facing a six-figure shortfall, the London Salvation Army is making a last-minute appeal to the public to give what they can at the Christmas kettles.
With just two days left, the non-profit's annual charity drive is more than $110,000 away from its $580,000 goal and in urgent need of volunteers.
"We are so appreciative of the support we have received from Londoners so far, but the urgency for volunteers to stand at a kettle and for the community to donate is at a critical stage in order for us to reach our goal” said Nancy Kerr, the executive director of the Salvation Army’s London Community and Family Services.
Roughly 40 per cent of the kettle shifts for Friday and Saturday are vacant, according to Kerr.
“This is concerning since donations cannot be made if there is no volunteer at the kettle," she said.
Kerr is calling on Londoners to consider signing up for a two or three hour volunteer shift before the kettle campaign wraps up for another year at the end of the day Saturday.
More than 42 hundred struggling local families reached out to the Salvation Army for help this Christmas. The organization's Christmas assistance program provides gift cards to buy the fixings for Christmas dinner, as well as toys to ensure no kid goes without over the holidays. In addition to that, over 1,800 people rely on the Salvation Army's food banks, community meals and school lunch programs each month. Money from the kettles goes toward all of these programs and services.
"These programs would not be possible without the support given to the Christmas Kettle campaign," said Kerr. "As a result, we are able to meet a need in our community, not only for food, but also for building relationships and transforming lives. People know that we are more than their next meal. We are here because we care and want to journey with them in whatever ways we are
able."
Anyone interested in volunteering to work a kettle shift can do so online at www.londonchristmaskettles.ca or by calling 519-873-2984.
Donations to the kettles can be made in person, online at SalvationArmy.ca, by calling 1-800-SAL-ARMY (725-2769), or by mail to The Salvation Army Christmas Kettle Campaign, 310 Vesta Road, London ON N5Y 5J1.
