Salvation Army Christmas Kettle campaign short $250,000 across Maritime provinces

The Salvation Army’s annual Christmas fundraising drive is short $250,000 across the three Maritime provinces this year as the organization grapples with the COVID-19 pandemic.

Major Jamie Locke says with just two days to go, The Salvation Army’s Christmas Kettle campaign is still far from its goal of collecting $1.8 million from the Maritime region.

Locke says the campaign has been hindered this year because there are fewer volunteers to staff the kettles.

And he says the locations in which the kettles are traditionally installed, such as malls and retail stores, have been less frequented and are operating under tight pandemic-related restrictions.

Locke says the kettle campaign is an important component of The Salvation Army’s efforts to help people year round by providing food, shelter and support programs.

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Last year, The Salvation Army provided assistance to more than 56,000 people across the Maritimes.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published Dec. 23, 2020.