Salvation Army seeks Kettle Campaign volunteers

The Salvation Army is looking for volunteers to assist with manning its annual kettle campaign amidst a declining number of volunteers. The goal for this year’s campaign is 180,000. Volunteer Diane Dietrich took her shift in the Tillsonburg Town Centre earlier this week. (Jeff Helsdon Photo)

Robin Krafft, Post Contributor

The Salvation Army is seeking kettle volunteers for their major fundraiser from Nov. 15 to Dec. 24. The Kettle Campaign has been supported in Tillsonburg for over 100 years.

"The campaign funds our programming throughout the year,” said Major Denise Walker. “Our major focus this year is The Hub, a drop-in for unhoused people. We are currently looking for a downtown location, but in the meantime we're exploring how to offer those services. We're looking at a mobile centre; we have to be creative."

The goal is to offer a warming center, hot meals, and distribute items like coats and prepared backpacks with personal hygiene and other essentials at an accessible location where the need is greatest. The Hub is currently located at the Salvation Army Church at 110 Concession Street W.

The campaign goal for this year is $180 000. There will be no mail out campaign this year, but but you can make a donation at the kettles, online, at the downtown store or the Salvation Army Church.

There are six kettles throughout town, located at Canadian Tire, Walmart, the Liquor Store, and grocery stores. With 816 shifts to fill, it requires a lot of organization. While service clubs have selected particular days to fill, with their members rotating through shifts, Walker said that the early days of the campaign present the greatest challenge.

The two-hour shifts involve greeting people, engaging with the public, and wishing people a Merry Christmas. Chairs are provided for volunteers who find it difficult to stand for long periods of time. While some people commit to a regular day, there is no minimum requirement. Volunteering for one shift is perfectly acceptable. Kettle Coordinator Joe Acre can be reached at 226-231-1715.

Salvation Army member Bill Oliver started volunteering on the kettles when he was eight years old, standing beside his mother. He has volunteered every year since for the past 77 years.

"Many people volunteer in memory of a family member who did it, and we have students who are earning their volunteer hours," Walker said. "It's a practical, straightforward way to help and it really makes a difference in the community."