The sound of jingle bells and the plunk of coins into the Salvation Army’s Christmas kettles will soon be heard around Chilliwack.
And in order to make the annual Christmas Kettle Campaign successful, the Chilliwack Salvation Army has put the call out for volunteers.
“Whether you are a business, a school, a service club or something in between, we are asking you to consider hosting a Christmas Kettle this holiday season,” said Capt. Matthew Kean, commanding officer for the local Sally Ann.
The campaign, featuring the festive, red Christmas kettles, kicks off on Nov. 20 and goes until Christmas Eve. It runs daily from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Mondays to Thursdays and Saturdays, and from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Fridays.
Volunteer shifts are two hours long.
It could be a weekly two-hour shift that you spread around your team, or your group could ‘take-over’ a kettle for a whole day, Kean added.
Money collected from the Christmas Kettle Campaign goes to support families in need during the holiday season and beyond.
Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, the Chilliwack Salvation Army has continued to provide 150 meals daily, 68 shelter beds, everyday material relief, counselling, housing support, and outreach connection to the community. This Christmas, they will again be preparing 1,800 food hampers to hand out to individuals and families.
“With a few people, some (bad) singing, and a joyful attitude, hosting a kettle is one of the most enjoyable ways to spread Christmas spirit and give some hope in our community,” Kean said.
To get involved in the Christmas Kettle Campaign, email volunteer@salvationarmychilliwack.ca.
All kettle volunteers will be required to wear gloves and a mask for the duration of their shift. PPE will be supplied, though people are welcome to bring their own.
ALSO READ: Food hampers being distributed to hundreds of Chilliwack school children during pandemic
ALSO READ: Drive-thru food drive for Chilliwack Salvation Army happening now • June 27, 2020
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