The annual Salvation Army kettle campaign is off and running, as (L-R) Isabelle Goldsbury, Leon Cake and Laura Blake took their shift Friday morning. (Jordan Davidson/NanaimoNewsNOW)

By NanaimoNewsNOW Staff

jingle bells

‘This city is amazing:’ Nanaimo Salvation Army kettle campaign underway

Nov 17, 2023 | 2:03 PM

NANAIMO — A surefire sign of the holiday season is back, with the sound of jingle bells.

The Salvation Army annual kettle campaign officially kicked off Friday, Nov. 17 at Canadian Tire in Nanaimo, beginning a roughly five-week-long stretch where every dollar matters.

Major Yvonne Borrows with the Nanaimo Salvation Army said every dollar raised locally stays in town and goes to support valuable programming not just through Christmas, but year-round as well.

“We’re really at the church site more focused on upstream services. Let’s keep you housed, let’s keep you from becoming homeless or wrapped up in your addictions. Let’s do all of those things to help prevent those things from happening.”

They’re hoping to raise $280,000 which is a little less than what was raised last year, but many factors are in play.

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The number of kettles operating is just 13, compared to 24 in past years, but organizers hope they can get a higher percentage of shifts filled at fewer locations.

Shift times are now two hours, instead of two and a half.

“We’re about 85 per cent full on our shifts but there is still room if people want to volunteer,” Borrows added. “If we discover we have more volunteers than we have kettles out, we’ll actually add days to some of our sites.”

Response early has been strong with roughly 90 per cent of volunteers last year committing again this season.

Annika makes a contribution to the annual kettle campaign at Canadian Tire on Friday morning. (Jordan Davidson/NanaimoNewsNOW)

Those wanting to donate their time to this year’s campaign can call the office at (250) 740-1004.

In addition to cash donations, kettles are now equipped with tap devices for set amounts to come off credit or debit cards: $5, $10 or $20.

Borrows said it makes life a lot easier for them counting at the end of every day and hopefully makes it easier for people to donate.

She knows it’s a challenging time for everyone, but is confident the campaign will be successful.

“We are dealing with economic issues, a lot of them. A lot of people who have donated in the past are now accessing our services, so that’s a challenge. In Nanaimo, this city is amazing and we have an incredible community that just steps in and supports and helps where needed.”

Money from the campaign also helps contribute to other local groups, including the Christmas hampers from Loaves and Fishes food bank.

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