Salvation Army kettle campaign falling short of Christmas goals

Comox Valley down $30,000 while British Columbia funraising is $2 million short of goal.

The Salvation Army’s Christmas Kettle Campaign, raising money for the less fortunate, has been a tradition of the season for 127 years.

“I think as people get close to Christmas and the Christmas spirit, people want to help and I think people are reasonably generous you know.” said David Davies who was volunteering at a kettle in Courtenay.

But with just days to go before Christmas, the campaign in the Comox Valley is $30,000 short of it’s goal of $133,000 which it reached last year only thanks to a last minute rush of donations.

They are $8000 behind where they were at this point last Christmas.

Similar shortages are being seen across the island and beyond.

“Yes we recognize that most of the ministry units are in a similar position to what we are here in the Comox Valley and British Columbia for example has a goal of $4.5 million and to date we have raised just a little over $2.5 million.” said Brent Hobden, Community Services Director for the Comox Valley Salvation Army.

The reality is many people just walk by the kettles because many of us do not carry cash anymore.

“Being a cashless society really is a challenge for the Salvation Army when we have kettles out and I think that?s one of our big hindrances.” said Michelle Elsasser, Campaign Coordinator in the Comox Valley.

And if fundraising goals are not met?

“It will make it extremely difficult for us to continue doing what we do on a year-round basis,” added Hobden.

They are hoping people will donate online instead.

You can fill the kettle by going to www.salvationarmy.ca

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