THUNDER BAY – Pop’s Kettle Corn has been steadily helping the Salvation Army reach its kettle campaign goal of $190,000.
Pop’s Kettle Corn teamed up with Canadian Tire to present a cheque from Pop’s Kettle Corn’s year-long initiative to raise money for The Salvation Army Thunder Bay Kettle Campaign.
For 12 months, one dollar from each Kettle corn bag sold contributed to this year’s kettle drive.
For co-owner Michael Lemesani, Pop’s Kettle Corn campaign is all about giving back to the community.
“Believe it or not, everybody is going with the United Way, the Heart and Stroke Foundation and the Cancer Society,” Lemesani said.
“There’s no one is the forefront of the Salvation Army, yet when I drive down the street I see all these people on the street and these are people we always forget.”
Lemesani added the Salvation Army is where these people go for necessities.
“Ever since we started the business I’ve always said to my equal half my kettle for their kettle, so I had to do something.”
The Thunder Bay Canadian Tire and Marathon stores raised $5,478 for this year’s Christmas Kettle Campaign.
Lemesani is happy know the money is going to feed and clothe a lot of people throughout the cold winter months.
The Salvation Army’s Major Lori Mitchell said the real story is the partnerships the Salvation Army has with businesses and companies in the city.
“It’s just a recognition that we can’t do everything on our own,” Mitchell said. “We don’t operate in isolation, we are part of the city and what we do supports the city making it a better place.”
Mitchell added that it’s important for businesses to have the ability to support the Salvation Army in what they do.
“To have something that is year-long, just too kind of always be putting us in the needs of the people of the community is important.”
Pop’s Kettle Corn has helped the Salvation Army’s Kettle Campaign reach more than $40,000.
Mitchell said the Salvation Army is well on its way to reaching the campaign’s goal.
