With only 12 days left until Christmas Eve, the Salvation Army is well-short of its fundraising goal.
It has only collected a third of the money, $75,201, it needs for its Christmas operation.
The Salvation Army North Bay Ministries kicked off its annual Christmas campaign in late November with a local goal this year of $225,000, which is comprised of the Red Kettles and the mail-in donations.
There are currently six kettles in North Bay and all include the TipTap machines for credit cards. Money can also be dropped off at 134 McIntyre St. East or online at www.salvationarmy.ca/northbay.
“These funds are used in North Bay for Christmas assistance to singles and couples and our year-round programs”, says Major Stephanie Watkinson, Corps Officer of The Salvation Army North Bay Ministries.“It is through the wide range of services that we can locally provide hope and dignity to the residents of North Bay and surrounding area.”
It's the same situation as last year when the Salvation Army had only collected 43 per cent of funds at this time of year.
See: Local Sally Ann falling far short of Christmas campaign goal
"I think there's a lot more people in need, there's a lot more individuals and families that are struggling in our community which would take away some of our donor pool," Major Stephanie Watkinson told BayToday last December.
Last year’s Christmas Kettle Campaign comprising of direct kettle donation, TipTap, mail-in and online donations raised $191,335, but that was only 85 per cent of the overall goal that was set at $225,000.
See: Salvation Army North Bay short of holiday fundraising goal
The annual Christmas Kettle Campaign kicks off in mid-November and dedicated volunteers attend kettles that are on display at various retailer locations across the city until December 24.
