The Salvation Army's annual kettle campaign is kicking off this Saturday (Nov. 22) at Uptown Plaza Square. The campaign is the Salvation Army's biggest fundraiser of the year, and runs until Dec. 24. On Saturday from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., there will be a variety of special guests with the kettles, including CFL Hall of Famer Dave Cutler. There will also be a performance by Tal Bachman at 1 p.m.
“The main goal [of the kettle campaign] is to bring [in] funds so that we can help people,” said Sipili Molia, community relations coordinator of the Salvation Army Stan Hagen Center for Families. “It basically funds most of what we do.”
Last year, the kettle campaign in Greater Victoria raised $175,000, which was $75,000 short of their goal. This year, Molia said their goal is to raise $225,000. The goal for all of B.C. is $4 million.
This year, the Salvation Army will give away nearly 2,000 Christmas hampers in Victoria. The Salvation Army also has many other programs, such as employment training, computer training and counselling.
There are 40 locations in Greater Victoria where kettles will be located during the holiday season, approximately 10 of which are in the City of Victoria.
Besides donating to the kettles in person, people can also text “Hope1005” to 45678 to donate $5, or go to fillthekettle.com to donate online. Donations can also be given in person at 2695 Quadra St.
Those interested in volunteering are asked to call Sipili Molia at 250-386-8521 ext. 233.