Maj. Harvey Compton and guest, manning a kettle this past Saturday. (submitted photo/ Salvation Army Prince Albert Facebook page)

By Ronald Quaroni

Kettle Kickoff

Christmas kettles get a boost from special volunteer

Nov 26, 2019 | 12:32 PM

A sure sign of the Christmas season; the ringing of bells and the sight of a bright red Salvation Army kettle.

Along with the longstanding props, Prince Albert kettles had a special guest over the weekend.

“Ann Barlow gave us a call and said that she had the availability of a couple donkeys and she wanted to partner with us to raise funds in our kettles,” Lt. Matthew Reid, Corps Officer with the Prince Albert Salvation Army said. “She thought the donkeys would make a nice drawing card and she was right. They were a huge hit on Saturday at Canadian Tire and Walmart.”

Reid said it’s unknown if the animals will make another appearance at P.A. kettles, but joked it probably depends on if they enjoyed their time volunteering.

The Christmas Kettle Campaign kicked off in Prince Albert on Nov. 21. The campaign is the largest public fundraiser for the Salvation Army.

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This year the local chapter hopes to raise $90,000, all of which stays in the community.

“We rely on the funding from this campaign to feed, clothe, shelter and empower those in need,” Reid said.

In their most recent annual report the Salvation Army said it had assisted in funding programs and services including food banks, financial and nutritional education, life-skills training. The organizations said it serves those in need without discrimination or judgment.

The Salvation Army also offers small, modest gifts for prisoners.

“We feel that everyone deserves dignity and hope regardless of who they are. Therefore we do give a little gift to prisoners at Christmas. It’s a way for us to positively impact their lives and say, ‘There is hope, we care for you,’ and just a simple, ‘Merry Christmas,’” Reid said.

The organization is always looking for volunteers to help man their kettles. If anyone is interested Reid encouraged them to contact Maj. Harvey Compton at (306) 703-0225.

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Ron.quaroni@jpbg.ca

Twitter: @RonaldQuaroni