Describing the results of the Salvation Army’s Christmas Kettle Campaign in Nanaimo, organizer Dawne Anderson can’t help but repeat the word “amazing”.
“It is the only word that comes to mind,” she said. “It’s amazing knowing our community supports the work the Salvation Army does, and it’s amazing the amount of volunteer support we receive.”
The campaign ran Nov. 21 to Dec. 24, raising $212,000 from 24 kettles in Nanaimo and Ladysmith. More money is expected through mail-in donations. The 2010 campaign raised $193,000.
Anderson’s goal was $200,000, but she had concerns it would not be achieved as the campaign was $3,500 behind its goal on Dec. 22.
“In the last two days $15,000 came in. It was amazing,” she said. “People were feeling that Christmas spirit.”
Volunteer numbers totalled 975, up from 850 last year, with individuals, service groups, sports teams and businesses taking shifts to collect donations.
“There’s no way to properly thank all the volunteers,” said Anderson. “Some took one shift, some took daily shifts … people gave what they could give.”
Proceeds from the campaign go toward the work at the Salvation Army’s New Hope Centre on Nicol Street.
“It’s not just for food hampers,” said Anderson. “It goes to the meal program, emergency shelter, family services and counselling.”
And even though the campaign was a success, Anderson said there is still a need for more.
“It seems like a lot of money, and is a lot of money, but it doesn’t go too far,” she said. “It gives us a good kick-start, but there is still a need to raise money throughout the year.”
Countrywide, the Salvation Army’s campaign raised more than $20 million, surpassing a goal of $19 million.
“We owe the success of this year’s campaign to everyone who donated, the thousands of volunteers who manned our kettles and the various malls, retail stores and shopping centres that welcomed us in this Christmas,” said Graham Moore, Salvation Army spokesman. “Without this support, we would not be able to raise the funds needed to address the dehumanizing scourge of poverty throughout the upcoming year.”
The Christmas Kettle Campaign helps provide compassionate, hands-on service to more than 1.7 million people in Canada each year.