Major James Hägglund and Mayor Mary Giuliano were on hand at Fernie's Overwaitea on Saturday morning to officially kick off the holiday kettle campaign, which raises money for The Salvation Army food bank.
The goal for The Salvation Army this year is to raise $70,000 through mailers sent out to the community and the bright red kettles that will be stationed at Overwaitea, Extra Foods, Canadian Tire and beginning December 1 at the BC Liquor Store.
“Everything that we have that comes into [the kettles] stays in the community,” said Hägglund of the campaign.
“The Salvation Army has been here since before Fernie was incorporated,” said Giuliano. “That means that for 100 years this organization has been providing benefit to everyone in need in our area. I want to congratulate and wish you a successful campaign.”
Hägglund also noted that there is a growing need for the food bank’s services.
“Since last year, we’ve gone up 125 per cent of people who use the food bank. It’s a gigantic increase and we want to serve the people and we’ll find a way to meet their needs.”
Donations will be accepted until 2 p.m. on Christmas Eve.