Karikoga Bamhare has been a Salvation Army kettle volunteer for 23 years. Bamhare says he started volunteering when he moved to Medicine Hat and does it to "give back to the community." The Salvation Army is accepting donations at 13 kettle locations throughout the month.--NEWS PHOTO BRENDAN MILLER
bmiller@medicinehatnews.com
‘Tis the season and Salvation Army volunteers will be manning Christmas kettles with bells, Santa hats – and even moroccos at retailers across the city.
The annual charity campaign is more than 100 years old, and local funds raised from the Kettle Campaign donations support the Salvation Army’s annual operating budget.
Medicine Hat Salvation Army Maj. Norman Hamelin says they are still looking for kettle volunteers this year.
“Some people will play an instrument, some people will sing. Some people just stand there and greet the public and thank them for their donation,” says Hamelin.
“The people who volunteer, get as much out of the experience (as donors).”
Volunteer shifts are typically two hours during the evening. Thirteen kettle locations are set up at retail locations across the city.
Annually the Medicine Hat Salvation Army’s operating budget is more than $130,000. This year officials at the charity say they still need to raise more than $10,000 to keep their heads above the surface.
“Right now we’re not quite treading water,” says Hamelin.
“The Christmas kettles and the funds that we raised the in the community (provide) ministry here for those who are struggling. Sometimes it’s definitely a financial thing, oftentimes somebody just needs a listening ear.
“Sometimes it’s rent or it’s hydro or heating expenses. We have some programs that we work with the city and service providers.”
This year the Salvation Army says it helped more than 2.7 million Canadians by providing meals, clothing and accommodations, as well as making hospital visits, providing rescue, suicide prevention and immigrant and refugee services.
The charity also helped more than 7,400 children through its Brighter Futures Children’s Sponsorship Program.
Last Christmas the Salvation Army was able to provide more than 359,000 people with food, toys and hampers.
In Medicine Hat, the Salvation Army will be providing annual Christmas hampers to families in need as well as hosting a free turkey dinner on Christmas Day.
