The Salvation Army’s Christmas kettle campaign in Saskatoon is underway after a gathering in Civic Square on Thursday morning.
The Salvation Army set a fundraising goal of $300,000, which will be spent on local programs.
“We decided to go from 275 to 300,000 because we’ve seen such a need grow in the community,” executive director Maj. Malba Holliday said.
READ MORE: Salvation Army reaches goal in Saskatoon’s kettle campaign
More than 1,800 volunteer hours need to be filled to collect donations.
Mayor Charlie Clark made the ceremonial first drop in the kettle.
“I think it’s so important that the community is also coming together to make sure that we share what we have and try and make it so everybody can enjoy the Christmas season together,” Clark said.
The Salvation Army flag will fly at city hall for the duration of the campaign.
From Nov. 17 to Dec. 23, kettles will be set up at the following Saskatoon locations:
- Circle Centre Mall
- Saskatoon Farmers’ Market
- Real Canadian Superstore East & West
- Wal-Mart – all locations
- Costco – all locations
- Market Mall Safeway
- Lawson Heights Mall
- Midtown Mall
- Co-op grocery stores – all locations
On Sundays, only Costco locations will have kettles and bell ringers.
Anyone able to volunteer is asked to contact the Salvation Army at 306-394-0460 or by email at kettle@salvationarmysaskatoon.org.