The Port Hardy Salvation Army continues to work hard through the holiday season. Community Ministries Supervisor Lighthouse Resource Centre’s Michael Winter says they’re currently in need of volunteers for their annual Christmas Kettle campaign.
“Our Christmas Kettles are done once a year, and it’s the only means of fundraising done for the Salvation Army,” he says. “All money will be invested in our family and guest services for meals, food bags, clothing vouchers and other basic essentials. One-hundred percent of the money raised stays in the community.”
Winter says the campaign runs November 30th to December 23rd. Kettles are located at Save-on-Foods and at the Liquor Store on Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays.
He adds that Kettles will also be in Port McNeill for the first time this year. They’ll be stationed at the IGA.
“We focus on social services helping to provide the basic needs of food, clothing, shelter and emergency services. This includes addressing such needs as homelessness, addictions, abuse, food security and advocacy. The purpose of all our programs and services is to really meet people where they are at without judgement.”
The Salvation Army services the Mount Waddington Region, with a population of roughly 12,000 people.
Winter provided some statistics to 1240 Coast AM News.
They served 14,848 meals in 2013/2014, while that jumped by 30% to 19,236 for 2016/2017. The Salvation Army also saw total services accessed at the Lighthouse Resource Centre go up by 76% in 2016/2017 from the 2013/2014 season (27,773 up to 48,834).
To get involved with the Christmas Kettle campaign, call 250-949-8125. You can also donate online at salvationarmy.ca.
