Salvation Army kettle campaign launches in Fort St. John

FORT ST. JOHN, B.C. — The Fort St. John Salvation Army launched its annual kettle campaign on Tuesday and is looking to raise $150,000.

Executive director Jared Braun says the organization is still looking for volunteers as many locations and time slots are available until the campaign ends on December 23rd.

He says the kettles at Walmart and Safeway did quite well on the campaign’s first day.

“You can feel the change and see the cash in there. We were off to a good start there, but a long way to go,” Braun said.

The kettles accept change, cash and cheque and have a tap option for debit or credit cards.

“All the kettle proceeds support our community and families services, so it’s all the different programs we run through the food bank,” Braun said.

“And of course, coming into Christmas, a portion of that is contributing to our Christmas hampers. We’re hoping to provide hampers to upwards of 150 people.”

The Christmas hampers provided by the Salvation Army include a Christmas meal, as well as toys and gifts for individuals or families to make everyone’s Christmas special.

The Salvation Army is also looking for donations for the Christmas Hampers, specifically for teenager and senior gifts, which don’t get donated as often as gifts for children, Braun said.

“If someone would think, ‘What would my grandparents enjoy?’ and get something like that,” he said.

“I think seniors enjoy things like puzzles and games, good books, maybe a warm cozy blanket while they’re enjoying their evening.” 

Some of the money raised from the kettle campaign will support the ever-growing demand for food bank services that feed upwards of 800 individuals a month, as well as the other crisis supports offered.

For information about volunteering or donating directly to the campaign, visit the local Salvation Army’s website.

The complete list of where kettles are located can be found below:

• No Frills
• McDonald’s
• Canadian Tire
• Burger King
• Popeyes
• Walmart
• Tim Horton’s (south)
• Winners
• Safeway
• Save On
• Shoppers
• Tim Horton’s (north)
• Totem Mall
• Dunvegan Garden
• Home Hardware
• Site C Atco Two Rivers Camp
• Salvation Army Thrift Store