The season of giving
Salvation Army Christmas Kettle campaign kicks off in Summerside
Neil Abbott is hoping Islanders embrace the season of giving this year by donating to the Salvation Army Christmas Kettle campaign.
“The money we raise through the initiative goes towards much more than our toy baskets and Christmas hampers. It helps us fund our family services, which include any emergency help someone may need, transportation and more, as well as our community kitchen.”
Abbott, who is one of the captains of the Summerside Salvation Army Corps, is hoping they can raise around $45,000. Last year, the Christmas Kettles raised over $40,000.
“Our kettle campaign isn’t as significant a fundraiser as it is in other corps. But we also run our letter campaign at the same time, which helps raise more money.”
The letter campaign contributed $70,000 in funds last year.
But like last year, Abbott is concerned about the number of volunteers who have signed up to look after the kettles. The five-week campaign is comprised of about 1,200 volunteer hours.
“I’m really hoping to see community groups, families, even individuals sign up and represent the area, the spirit of Christmas and give back in some way. “We want to be able to recognize their efforts and give them credit for helping us help the community.”
It’s a chance for people to show the community how much they care, he added.
“I really want the spirit of the season to come alive. We need to remember to be grateful. When we have food on our table or a toy under our tree, we need to remember that there are others who don’t.
“There is a whole multitude of emotions that come with the season. You really need to put yourself in other people’s shoes. Can you imagine not being able to provide dinner to you family, toys for your kids? This is a special time of year. It’s the season of giving.”
The kettle will be stationed around the city Monday through Saturday at varying times from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m., 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. and 10 a.m. to 9 p.m.