Thanks to COVID-19, you won't be seeing the ubiquitous Salvation Army bellringers in Windsor-Essex this holiday season.
The Salvation Army Windsor has announced it will pull its volunteer bellringers off the streets due to the region being in the "red-control" classification of the province's COVID-19 enforcement scale. Instead, those passing by the famous red kettles will see a Tip Tap Touchless terminal, so people can donate electronically to those less fortunate in the area.
Fifteen of the terminals are being placed on kettle stands across Windsor-Essex, allowing people to use a credit card, Interac debit card, or their smartphone to tap the display and make a donation.
The preset donation amount is $5. For those who want to give more, people can continue to tap up to the desired amount, up to ten times. The terminals only transmit the information and not store it.
Major Danny Pinksen, executive director of the Salvation Army Windsor Centre of Hope, said the pandemic has only intensified the need to help those in need this holiday season.
"As in previous years, we want to thank, in advance, the generous residents of this region for continuing to support our kettle campaign," said Pinksen in a media release. "All donations made locally in Windsor directly support the programs and services of The Salvation Army in the greater Windsor region. Supporting us, helps us, support others."
The goal of this year's holiday kettle campaign for Windsor-Essex is $350,000.
If you're not comfortable donating by tap terminal, the Salvation Army also offers the Fill-the-Kettle website for online donations. Complete information on how people can help this holiday season can be found on the local Salvation Army's official website.
