The Salvation Army’s Christmas Kettle campaign officially launches this Friday night at MSA Arena.
The campaign, which is the organization’s largest national fundraiser of the year, is set to be hosted by the Abbotsford Pilots and Canadian Linen.
It all gets underway at 7:30 p.m., with the Pilots facing off against the Langley Trappers in Pacific Junior Hockey League regular season action and a food drive occurring during the game. The Salvation Army Cascade Christmas band will also be on hand entertaining everyone. MSA Arena is located at 2323 Emerson Street in Abbotsford.
For the next six weeks, a sea of red kettles will line the streets in communities across the province, including Abbotsford and Mission. With a goal of raising $130,000, the campaign provides vital funds to feed, clothe and shelter individuals and families in need of support this season, and throughout the year.
“With the flashing bright lights and festive activities during Christmastime, it’s easy to forget how tough this time of the year may be for some people,” Salvation Army spokesperson Captain Mark Dunstan said in a press release. “With more people than ever living at or below the poverty line, the face of poverty is changing, especially here in B.C. The demand for Salvation Army programs and services has never been higher.”
Every donation to a Christmas kettle remains in the community in which it was given in order to meet local needs. The Salvation Army relies on the generous support from the community to provide life changing, innovative programming and education to assist individuals and families find a way out of poverty permanently.
To see a map of all the kettle locations nearby, click on this story, at abbynews.com/tag/kettle.
Anyone interested in volunteering can visit centreofhope.net or call 604.309.0660 for details.