The Salvation Army still needs help this holiday season, as they have received fewer donations in their holiday fundraising than in the same time last year, while facing a greater demand for their services.
Deb Lowell, spokesperson for the local Salvation Army, which covers Abbotsford and Mission, said they are behind on their Christmas fundraising goal of $450,000 by Dec. 31.
The money supports services, like hot meals, emergency shelter, crisis response and outreach, for the entire year.
The donations to the Red Kettle campaign, where volunteers collect funds at businesses around Abbotsford and Mission, are similar to last year with about $50,000 collected.
But Lowell said on Friday that donations that are mailed in or dropped off at the Centre of Hope on Gladys Avenue are "way down." The Salvation Army has received about $40,000 – far less than this time last year.
"Knowing what our goal is, where we are at and how many days we have left, it's a little bit concerning."
Adding to the concern is the much greater demand on resources in previous years. The Salvation Army served more hot meals, more emergency food hampers and more parcels of fresh produce that the last year. Also, they assisted more people with housing and substance abuse and detox programs.
In addition to funds, the Salvation Army also needs more volunteers to help out with the kettle campaign through Abbotsford and Mission.
Those interested in volunteering can call the Red Kettle hotline at 604-309-0660.
A new initiative raising money for the Salvation Army this year is the “You Make an Ugly Sweater Look Good” contest.
Individuals and groups are invited to visit Marshalls in the Highstreet shopping complex, snap a photo of themselves in the photo booth and upload the picture to holideous.com by Dec. 19 for a chance to win a $1,000 gift card.
Donations for the Salvation Army can be made at any kettle, by phone at 604-852-9305, online at careandshare.ca or in person at either the Centre of Hope (34081 Gladys Ave.) or Cascade Community Church (35190 DeLair Rd.)