With one week left in its annual kettle campaign, the Salvation Army in Edmonton is struggling to find volunteers and is less than half way to its fundraising goal.
So far the Kettle Campaign has raised $224,000. The organization is having a tough time getting volunteer to fill shifts to ring the kettle bell at local retailers. The Salvation Army said nearly 40 per cent of the kettle volunteer shifts for this week remain open.
“We were anticipating that this would be a challenging year given the state of the economy,” Captain Mark Stanley, with the Salvation Army, said. “But it’s been even tougher than we thought.
“We know that many Edmontonians are not in the financial position to give monetarily this season, but volunteering is a great way to give back as well.”
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Without volunteers, the Salvation Army isn’t able to collect donations at some locations.
Proceeds from the kettle campaign are used to provide Edmontonians in need with emergency food hampers and warm meals.
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Anyone who wishes to volunteer can visit the Salvation Army’s website or call 780-412-2625.