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It's time to ring those bells.
The annual Salvation Army Christmas Kettle campaign is as much a part of the holiday season as eggnog and mistletoe and on Saturday it kicks off again.
The campaign runs Nov. 21 to Dec. 24 and the Sally Ann is looking for a volunteers to man the kettles.
Cpt. Jean-Curtis Plante said it is now easier than ever to sign up as a volunteer. Those interested can book the time and place they wish to volunteer at vernonhouseofhope.com.
Just follow the link, fill out the questionnaire and get ready to help your fellow man.
“It takes hundreds of volunteers to run the kettle campaign,” said Plante. “We have 13 locations and it takes an average of five shifts per day.”
Plante said along with the easier sign up, several changes have been made to the campaign to make it better for volunteers.
Some people found the three-hour shift commitment too onerous, so each shift has been reduced to two hours. Kettle volunteers will also now be supplied with a stool so they can sit by the kettles if they choose, rather than stand.
Plante said people with mobility challenges want to help, and the addition of the stools will better allow them do so.
“This is a community food bank and a community effort, so we want to engage as many people in the community as possible,” said Plante.
The goal of this year's campaign is $150,000. Last year the campaign raised $149,000.
“That was the highest we have raised in Vernon in a number of years,” he said. “All of the money raised locally in the kettle campaign is used locally. The primary focus is Christmas. The hampers are one of the major expenses that we have. We want to make sure we are giving the best hampers possible to the families with the greatest needs.”
Plante said 86 cents of every dollar goes to life-sustaining programs, with the remainder covering administration, fundraising and other costs.
“The Salvation Army takes it very seriously to get as much money as possible to people in need,” he said.
Along with the kettle campaign, the annual mail out campaign will also begin next week. Anyone wishing to make a donation in person can stop by the House of Hope, 3303 32nd Ave.
