The Salvation Army (TSA) is launching its Christmas Kettle Campaign today and with your help will raise funds for 60-70 food and clothing Christmas hampers. The red kettles and charming Christmas bells will be at Overwaitea, Extra Foods and Canadian Tire beginning today. Kettles will also be at the B.C. liquor store and the Greenwood Mall in Sparwood starting Dec. 1.
TSA assists 75 to 100 different families through the year on a monthly or bimonthly basis.
All the funds raised stay in Fernie and go towards food hampers. TSA also gives away clothing vouchers for the thrift store.
“Even though the prices are low (at the thrift store), some people simply cannot afford clothing,” said Major James Hagglund. “I don’t want anyone to go without food and clothing in the community. We’re here to walk beside them and give them a hand up.”
“There are many who are the working poor; they may be working for minimum wage.”
Hagglund is desperately looking for more volunteers to work two-hour shifts Monday to Saturday beginning Nov. 14 to Dec. 24. With 500 two-hour shifts, that adds up to one thousand volunteer hours needed.
Come to the Salvation Army office two doors down (east) from the TSA thrift store to volunteer or sign up for a hamper. Family service worker Pearl Jones is there to orientate kettle campaigners or to register those in need.
Registration dates for a hamper are November 19, 20, 21, 26 and 27 from 10 am to 1 pm. The office will also be open on Nov. 28 from 5 pm to 8 pm for those who can’t make the other times due to their work schedule.
Established in Fernie since 1900, The Salvation Army has been in the community for 113 years. It is located at 721-791 2nd Avenue. To volunteer, email tsafernie@gmail.com or drop by the office Mon-Thursday 9 am to 2 pm. To donate online directly to the Fernie unit, go to www.salvationarmy.ca.