The Salvation Army kicked off their Christmas Kettle campaign today in Nelson with the help of acting-mayor Donna Macdonald. Majors Yvonne and Robin Borrows said all the donations stay in Nelson to purchase Christmas hampers and fund their year round programming. They hope this year’s kettle campaign will match the $24,000 raised last year. Combined with mails outs, the Nelson branch raised $86,000 in 2013.
Robin said the organization serves 1,000 different people every month in Nelson alone. The food bank, free hot breakfast four days a week, showers, laundry and counselling sessions are a few of the many services they offer.
Yvonne said they typically distribute 300 to 400 Christmas hampers and toys but so far they have been receiving two to three requests per day. The Christmas hampers provide food for Christmas dinner, with a choice of turkey or ham, plus extras for a week.
The group has 200 volunteers from service clubs, schools and individuals but welcome more during this busy season.
There will be two Christmas kettles, one located outside the CIBC on Baker Street and another at the Chahko Miko Mall, Monday through Saturday until December 24. To volunteer or register for a hamper, call Robin at 250-352-3488.