Over hot chocolate and Christmas carols on a cold November evening, Orillia's Salvation Army began its annual Christmas kettle campaign.
Members of the public gathered with Salvation Army officials at the Orillia Citadel Thursday evening to sing, enjoy a warm beverage, and make the first donations of the 2023 holiday season.
With substantial need in the community, a fundraising goal of $200,000 has been set for the holiday season — a $25,000 jump over last year’s goal.
“I can say that I have seen firsthand that over the course of this last year, more and more people have faced hardship and needed our assistance,” said Captain Josh Howard. “The need is great, but so is the giving, and for that we thank you.”
Whether it’s food, clothing, or household goods, the Salvation Army helps the city’s vulnerable population in a variety of ways throughout the year, Howard said.
“Christmas season is when we see the greatest requests for our assistance, and last year we distributed 650 food hampers, as well as gifts and toys to more than 1,100 children in our community,” he said. “We're preparing for even higher numbers this year.”
All donations that are made locally stay in the community, he noted.
“When donations are made to one of our kettles at Christmas, those donations stay in Orillia and provide assistance to those in our city and surrounding communities.”
Coyer Yateman, detachment commander for the Orillia OPP, thanked the Salvation Army for its “incredible” work at Thursday evening’s gathering.
“The work that you do in the community, the support that you provide, everyone that participates, everyone that supports — whether you're from Orillia, Oro-Medonte, Severn, Ramara — it is truly incredible,” he said. “I look forward to also participating in the kettle campaign and assisting you get that $200,000.”
Howard’s wife, Captain Tina Howard, extended thanks for all the community volunteers who make the Salvation Army’s work possible.
“I also wanted to personally thank you all for your support of this campaign in advance,” she said. “I know many of you have been doing this for a very long time, many years, and your faithfulness in supporting the Salvation Army does not go unnoticed.”
That volunteer work is vital, she said.
“Our yearly kettle campaign directly affects our ability as an organization to provide assistance to those who are in our community who are hungry, who are struggling to pay bills, and who may need help to access resources, such as income tax filing and obtaining ID," she added.
More volunteers are need. Those interested in volunteering at a Christmas Kettle over the holiday season can reach out to the Salvation Army at (705) 345-2601.