Salvation Army’s Kettle Campaign off to good start, hopes to top $300K

By KENDALL KING, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter on December 4, 2021.

Medicine Hat Salvation Army’s annual Christmas kettle campaign is off to a good start, says Capt. David Dale, co-ordinator for Medicine Hat’s Salvation Army operations.

“Right now, it’s looking good. People are really supporting the campaign.” Dale told the News. “We’re at 24% of our goal … We still have three-and-a-half weeks to go, but we’re hopeful that we can (raise) $300,000, which we would need to carry on the work that we do in Medicine Hat.”

All money raised during the kettle campaign will go toward continuing Medicine Hat’s Salvation Army operations and services, including the meal program which serves more than 100 individuals daily, the resource centre which connects individuals in need with other local organizations and providers, the Christmas hamper and toy collection and all other services which provide individuals with necessities.

Currently, there are 10 kettles located throughout the city, however there will be more added in the coming weeks.

A volunteer sits at each kettle and rings the signature red bell. Dale says, while there isn’t a shortage of volunteers this year, his team would always welcome more.

“There’s always a need for more volunteers,” said Dale. “We want people on all the kettles and sometimes we don’t have enough to go around.”

Anyone who wishes to volunteer with the kettle campaign is asked to contact kettle co-ordinator, Shirley, at 587-253-0740.