Web Extra: Ring those bells for the Salvation Army
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Updated: November 23, 2009 1:39 PM
By Jenn Marshall The News Bulletin
It’s time to start ringing those bells again, Nanaimo.
The Salvation Army’s Christmas Kettle Campaign needs bell ringers as kettle stations starting Monday (Nov. 23).
There are 22 kettle locations from Ladysmith to Lantzville that need to be manned Monday through Saturday until Christmas.
Envoy Dawne Anderson hopes to recruit 700 volunteers this year – so far she’s got 193 – and she’s emphasizing the need for the first few weeks.
“I think a lot of times people don’t get into the Christmas mode until December,” she said.
“That first week we’re slim on volunteers.”
People can volunteer in pairs and sign up for one shift or as many as they want.
“Just try one and see if you like it, then you can always sign up for more,” said Anderson.
This year’s campaign goal is $385,000 to help the Salvation Army prepare and deliver 10,000 meals per month in Nanaimo, plus 1,800 Christmas hampers, emergency hampers, clothing and furniture for underprivileged individuals and families, counselling and referral services, emergency shelter and affordable housing.
Anderson said demand for these services has increased over last year due to the economic recession – Salvation Army volunteers are expecting to deliver about 200 more hampers this December – but she’s expecting donations to remain steady.
“Nanaimo is totally supportive and people just reach into their pockets when people are down,” she said.
“The community just pulls together. Even the people who use the services donate.”
Businesses have two opportunities to get involved in the kettle campaign: they can adopt a kettle top for $250, which is moved around to various locations, and employees can take on duties at one kettle location for a day.
