Salvation Army Christmas Kettles in place in Fort Frances
The Salvation Army’s Christmas Kettle campaign is underway in Fort Frances.
Money raised is used to help maintain local services and programs.
Kaleb Firth is coordinating the staffing this year.
He says they are asking participants to staff the kettles for at least two hours at a time.
“We can accommodate maybe smaller shifts, but we’re trying to get a two-hour commitment,” says Firth.
“It does go rather quickly once you get there, and we talk with lots of people we haven’t seen in a long time.”
Members of the Fort Frances Lakers staffed the kettles on Tuesday.
Head coach and General Manager Luke Judson says it is another opportunity for the team and players to give back to the community.
“I think we’ve made a commitment for the last three years to be involved with everything we can, and this is something that’s been important to us,” says Judson.
The kettles are in place at Walmart, The Place and Safeway in Fort Frances.
Kettles will also be placed at the Beaver Mills Market in Rainy River and Cloverleaf Grocery in Emo.
Manager of the Walmart store in Fort Frances, Ryan Roberts, says they are happy to provide the Salvation Army with the visibility it needs.
“We know that people are facing tough times. There’s obviously a cost-of-living increase, and people are feeling the economic pressures,” says Roberts.
“From our perspective, we do a lot of store donations as well as supporting the kettle campaign and various other charitable initiatives within the community. We’re just happy to help.”
Firth says several businesses and organizations are stepping forward to further assist the Salvation Army by taking part in match days.
“They’re going to match up to $350. And we’re really excited that those are first-time donors,” says Firth.
“We’ve always known that Fort Francis has a really strong giving culture, and we’re just really excited to renew that for the Salvation Army and the great work that they do.”
If you are interested in helping with this year’s Christmas Kettle campaign, contact Firth at 807-456-3516 or email Kaleb.firth@salvationarmy.ca.
