As we approach the finals days before Christmas and people are making their final preparations, Moose Jaw’s Salvation Army is also in the last few days of its Kettle Campaign.  

The Salvation Army’s Christmas Kettle Campaign wraps up on Saturday at 6:00 p.m. at all seven locations around the city. The campaign kicked off on Nov. 28 with its goal of raising $65,000 for those in need.  

With the end approaching, the Salvation Army’s Director of Community and Family Services and Pastor, Lieutenant Lester Ward looked back on this year’s campaign.  

“It’s been another year of challenge in terms of volunteers,” says Lt. Ward. “The volunteers have been very dedicated and committed to the Christmas Kettle Campaign. The Christmas Kettle Campaign is our biggest, if not our main fundraiser for the whole year.” 

Lt. Ward adds that COVID-19 had a part to play in the challenges of finding volunteers and the cold weather doesn’t help either.  

“We know that COVID has not gone anywhere and getting volunteers with cold temperatures is a challenge within itself. The more volunteers we have and the more kettle shifts we can cover, obviously the more monetary donations come in, which means we can provide more and further service to people that might be looking for support.” 

People can make donations on the final days at one of their seven locations, which are Safeway, Co-op, Walmart, Superstore, Sobeys Liquor, Liquor Board Store-506, the Town 'n' Country Mall, and the Salvation Army Thrift Store.  

Volunteers work anywhere from four to five two-hour shifts. To operate the kettle campaign Lt. Ward estimates about 30-35 volunteers are needed.  

People wishing to donate can either donate actual cash or use their new tap system, which allows payment through their credit or debit cards. The tap options are $5, $10, or $20.   

The Salvation Army wants those that do donate to know that their money is going to a good cause.  

“The finances that we collect helps us through the hamper process and toys during Christmas if we need to purchase some items that we’re low on for certain age groups or boys and girls. It also carries us into January, February, and March and throughout the year to continue to provide to clients here in the city areas that they are in need of support including food, clothing, shelter, etc.” 

The Salvation Army is providing a total of 2,000 kettles to businesses and communities across the country.