THUNDER BAY – The Salvation Army’s kettle is half full.
But there’s still a long way to go to fill it up the rest of the way, says Gary Ferguson, executive director at the organization’s Journey to Life Centre.
With about two weeks left in the $260,000 campaign, the Salvation Army has collected $122,400, about 43 per cent of its target.
Ferguson said the money goes a long way to helping the less fortunate throughout the year.
"The escalating costs are making it increasingly difficult for people with limited means to cover all their expenses," Ferguson said in a release issued Thursday. "The support we receive from kettles means we will be able to make Christmas a happier time for them and we will be able to assist them through the year. Thank you to everyone for your caring gifts."
There are plenty of ways for the public to give to help the organization collect the remaining amount of $137,600, he added.
Kettles are located at Superstore, Intercity Shopping Centre, Grandview Mall, Walmart’s three Thunder Bay locations, as well as the LCBOs on Arthur Street, Dawson Road and at the Thunder Centre. All kettle locations also have tap-to-give donation options.
Table-top tap-to-give stands are also available at A&W locations on Arthur Street, the Harbour Expressway and Memorial Avenue, Beefcakes Burger Factory’s two Thunder Bay locations, and Circle K outlets on Arthur and Edward streets, Dawson Road and Hodder Avenue.
Ferguson said the funds will be used to help fund services such as the soup van that feeds up to 150 people a night, the student nutrition program, or the food banks that provide hampers to families with limited needs.
Donations may also be made by phoning 807-345-6492 or online at www.journeytolifecentre.com.
Volunteers are still needed too, Ferguson said, and can sign up by calling the donation number above.
