CLARKWATCH: Follow news and updates regarding sanctions on Mayor Clark.

Salvation Army Christmas Kettle Campaign underway

Nov 24, 2017 | 4:27 PM

 

MEDICINE HAT, AB — It’s a tradition at this time of year that’s almost as well known as Santa Claus.

The Salvation Army Christmas Kettle Campaign is underway in Medicine Hat.

The campaign, which sees volunteers ringing bells and collecting donations at businesses around the city, got underway earlier this month, and runs until December 23.

“Our goal has been for the last couple years has been $350,000,” said Major Murray Jaster, executive director of the Salvation Army. “We haven’t quite reached the $300,000 mark over the last two years, but our services have expanded here and increased, and the needs are definitely higher.

“We hope the citizens of Medicine Hat will be able to help us to reach that goal.”

Last year, Jaster said approximately $280,000 was raised. The money stays local in order to help the local organization run its initiatives, such as the Hot Meal Program and Food Hampers.

Jaster adds the organization typically has between 150 and 200 volunteers man the kettles during the campaign.

“Without the volunteers, there’s just simply no campaign,” he said. “They’re the backbone. We need hundreds of volunteers to man the kettles. If there’s no volunteers, then there’s nobody on the kettle, and nobody on the kettle translates to not being able to raise the funds. They are essential.”

Jaster says the campaign can always use more volunteers to help run kettles. Anyone interested can contact the Salvation Army at 403-527-2474.  

The kettles are located in the Medicine Hat Mall, at both Co-op grocery stores, Canadian Tire, Wal-Mart, Sobeys and Safeway, among other locations.