Salvation Army gearing up for annual kettle campaign

Plenty of volunteers needed for Christmas fundraising drive

It’s almost as much a sign of the season as Santa Claus and Christmas trees – the Salvation Army donation stations set up at stores throughout the city, seeking support for the annual Kettle Campaign and their ongoing work to make sure every family can celebrate the holidays.

This year’s campaign kicks off on Nov. 26 in front of Superstore and runs until Dec. 24, as part of their ongoing mission to supply Christmas hampers to families in need.

“Our main goal is to do everything we can to make sure everyone in Moose Jaw has a Christmas,” said Salvation Army Major Dan Broome. “There are families who don’t have a lot and are very appreciative that we can help them. It’s something we’re really happy to be able to do.”

The kettles are located in prominent retail outlets throughout the city and are staffed by a small army of volunteers – an army that Maj. Broome is looking to build as you read this.

“We need a lot of people,” he said. “We have volunteers working three hour shifts at each of the locations, so that works out to a lot of hours and a lot of volunteers.”

Broome estimated that over 100 would be needed to fully cover the long line of shifts. The support has traditionally been there, though, augmented by service club members lending a hand to fill any openings. The drive hopes to bring more volunteers in to fill the void.

“The more people we have the easier it is to cover all the shifts,” he said. “I’ve always found it kind of fun, having a chance to hang out and meet people, and I think a lot of our volunteers feel the same.” Those kettles might look relatively small in size, but their impact is incredible: The Salvation Army raised $56,000 last year and is looking to clear the $60K mark this year.

“It’s amazing how much support we receive in a town the size of Moose Jaw,” Broome said, adding that it comes as little surprise in reality, given how successful so many charities are in the community.

“I think part of it, too, is that people know the money they donate (to the kettle campaign) is going to go to the right place,” he said. “And if we have anything left over at the end of the campaign, it goes to support our other programs that help families in Moose Jaw, so it all goes back to the community.”

For more information on the Kettle Campaign or to volunteer, contact the Salvation Army at 306-694-0045.