Red Kettle Campaign

More than $20 million has been raised over 120 years of the Salvation Army’s largest charitable campaign.

The Christmas Kettle Campaign begins Nov. 19 with over 2,000 kettles stationed around Canada to collect donations that will benefit families in need during the holiday season. Windsor’s Salvation Army is looking for volunteers to supervise donations with red kettles at 18 locations across the city.

In Windsor, the campaign surpassed its $24,000 goal in 2011, receiving more than $266,300. The money provided over 1,100 food vouchers and more than 2,800 toy packages to families in need. The money also helped fund the Salvation Army Windsor Community & Family Services department.

Windsor’s kettle coordinator, Joe Peterson, said he hopes Windsor can reach their $250,000 goal and help Canada surpass their $20 million goal this season.

“We owe the success of our campaign to everyone who donated but especially to the thousands of volunteers who manned our kettles at the various malls, retail stores and shopping centres,” said Peterson.  “If you are looking to do a good deed this winter season this is the perfect opportunity for you. All we need is about three hours of your time. By helping us, you are helping more than 1.7 million Canadians feed their families and bring joy to children with the gift of a toy.”

This year all proceeds are going toward the Salvation Army Windsor community department for the following services: Christmas dinner for 1,000 at St. Clair Centre for the Arts, providing toys and food for Christmas, the food bank, soup kitchen, Thanksgiving dinner, cooking classes and other programs.

Lori Shepherd, who is a frequent campaign volunteer, said she enjoys volunteering for the initiative because it’s a rewarding experience. She has volunteered for the campaign for nine consecutive years.

“Helping out the Salvation Army during the Christmas season brings great feelings to my heart. I’m fortunate enough to have a roof over my head, food on my table and a loving family at home so I think it’s important that people like me give back to those in need,” Shepherd said. “There are so many Canadians are in demand for food but also many locals too. It’s nice knowing that the money raised in Windsor stays in Windsor.”

The Salvation Army said in addition to physical kettles located on street corners and shopping centres across the city donors also have the option to give online at www.FilltheKettle.com. To volunteer for this campaign, you can contact Peterson via email [email protected]. The campaign ends Dec. 24.