Melfort Mayor Glenn George makes the first donation into the kettle at CIndy's Independent Grocer to kick-off the 104th Christmas season for the Melfort Salvation Army. (Angie Rolheiser/northeastNOW staff)

By Angie Rolheiser

Kettle Campaign

Salvation Army kicks off Christmas kettle campaign in the northeast

Nov 22, 2021 | 1:05 PM

The Salvation Army kettle campaign is back for the 104th year in Melfort.

Christmas kettles are now set-up at Cindy’s Independent Grocer and in the Melfort Mall. Cashless tip tap options are available at the Melfort Liquor Loft, and counter top options area set-up at TJ’s Pizza, and the Bargain Shop.

Captain Rick Robins told northeastNOW they are looking to reach quite a high number for funds this year.

“Five years ago, the goal was $40,000 and this year it is $70,000 so the need has gone up drastically,” Robins said. “It has been difficult and sad but yet it is a reality of life, not just here but across the nation.”

Melfort Mayor Glenn George was on hand to make the first donation into the kettle on Monday morning at Cindy’s Independent Grocer.

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The funds collected during the campaign help to support programs throughout the entire year.

The goal in Tisdale is $15,000. Kettles are set-up at the Tisdale Co-op Grocery Store and a tip tap unit at Buy-Low Foods.

“We need help at the kettles so if anyone is able to volunteer some time the shifts are two hours so if you’re able to help us out that would be fantastic,” Robins said.

Volunteers would sit at the bright red kettles and ring bells. Currently, there are only three days booked with shifts running from Nov. 22 through the month of December.

Captain Jennifer Robins said the campaign is an important community partnership.

“The past two years has been tough with COVID, it helps to make a connection and when you’re on a kettle you get to see the people you haven’t seen all year,” she said. “It’s also making the community even stronger in the midst of all the challenges we have had so we invite people to come out and spread some Christmas cheer.”

Fundraising records were made in the northeast during last year’s campaign. In Melfort, $74,000 was raised while Tisdale brought in just under $21,000. In 2019, the total for Melfort was $46,000.

Christmas hamper toy boxes are out as well for donations of new, unwrapped toys.

Registration for Christmas hampers is still underway but currently there are already 100 families registered. Typically, the program serves around 200 families in the Melfort area and around 70 families in Tisdale.

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angie.rolheiser@pattisonmedia.com

On Twitter: @Angie_Rolheiser