STAY CONNECTED: Have the stories that matter most delivered every night to your email inbox. Subscribe to our daily local news wrap.

Nanaimo ready to ring the bells for the Salvation Army’s Kettle Campaign

Nov 21, 2018 | 1:23 PM

NANAIMO — The holiday season is in full swing with volunteers all over Nanaimo ringing their bells and collecting spare change.

The Salvation Army kicked off their annual Christmas Kettle Campaign on Wednesday. Hundreds of volunteers will stand proudly around the community gathering donations and spare change to help the homeless.

Local officer-in-charge Robin Borrows told NanaimoNewsNOW their fundraising goal this year is $262,000, up from their $250,000 goal in 2017.

“I’ve not heard a time where the community hasn’t rallied behind the Salvation Army,” Borrows said.

“There is a definite desire in people to see this community thrive, because it hurts everybody when we’re not. I think people really want to get involved and help the situation.”

New to the Nanaimo Salvation Army, Borrows said he heard of Nanaimo’s generous spirit long before arriving at his post in the harbour city.

“We’re all involved in this community and we just want to help people find some hope.”

As the fundraising goal rises, so to does the need in the community. Borrows said nearly every program at the Salvation Army’s New Hope Centre in downtown Nanaimo is increasing steadily and the demand for help grows every day.

A sign-up sheet to volunteer with the kettle drive can be found online.

 

spencer@nanaimonewsnow.com

On Twitter: @spencer_sterrit