Iconic red kettle bells started ringing this week as Powell River Salvation Army’s 2012 Christmas Kettle Campaign officially began on Monday, November 19. Campaign organizers are asking for the community’s help to staff kettles this year.
“We believe the people put more than just money in our kettles at Christmas time—they give hope,” said Kimberly Murphy who serves as volunteer kettle coordinator for this year’s campaign.
The money raised through the kettles is used to help Powell River people who are in need, not only at Christmas but throughout the entire year. The money goes to support individuals and families with nutritious meals, emergency food and clothing.
The campaign runs until December 24 and Salvation Army needs kettle hosts to fill the nearly 1,400 volunteer hours throughout the campaign. Volunteering at a Christmas kettle can mean as little as two hours and make a lasting difference in the community.
“You do not have to be a member of the Salvation Army to volunteer with us,” said Captain Jennifer Robins, Salvation Army pastor. “You do not have to be even a Christian person. You can just be somebody who would like to do your part and contribute. Maybe you’ve never had to use our services before, so you have lots of blessings you could share with other people. And if you’ve been so privileged to come through our doors here or anywhere else, you know the value of this and we encourage you to give back.”
Individuals, families and groups, including corporations, churches, service clubs and organizations, are welcome to take part this Christmas season. Kettle hosts are needed to raise funds at Christmas kettles in five indoor locations throughout the city. One kettle is located in the Safeway store and three kettles in the Town Centre Mall: outside the BC Liquor Store, inside Save-On-Foods and outside Walmart. The last of the five is located inside Quality Foods.
Kettles are open for donations from 10 am to 8 pm, Monday to Saturday, however some may close at 5:30 pm depending on their location.
For more information about how to support the campaign readers can contact Murphy at 604.485.2245, stop by Powell River Business Services, 4687 Marine Avenue or contact Salvation Army 604.485.6067.
