Organizers of a local Christmas fundraiser say donations were down slightly in December despite being up across the country.
The Christmas Kettle campaign in Powell River raised $34,321, down about $4,000 from the previous year.
Powell River Salvation Army captain BJ Loder added that looking year to year does not always give a clear picture of what is going on in a community.
“Ours was down a bit compared with last year, but it was on track with the year before,” he said. “Last year was an exceptionally good year all around.”
This was the first year for the Loders in Powell River and they are still developing their volunteer base, he said.
“The big thing for us was we did not have enough volunteers to fill all the places,” he said.
Despite local numbers being down, Loder said that the Salvation Army is happy and grateful for the community support.
Money raised in the campaign goes toward the Christian charity’s Christmas hamper program and also into running food programs throughout the year.
Nationally, the Salvation Army exceeded its goal collecting over $21 million in donations during its month-long Christmas Kettle campaign, an increase of two per cent from last year.
“When people struggle with hunger, housing, substance abuse, or worry how they’ll provide for their children, the Salvation Army eases their troubles and provides them with the dignity and support they need,” captain Lee Marshall, Salvation Army media spokesperson, stated in a press release. “Due to the overwhelming generosity of Canadians, the Salvation Army continues to provide critical services that transform lives and give people hope today and throughout the year.”
