One of the largest and most recognizable holiday charity events in the world will look a little different this year.
The Salvation Army’s Christmas Kettle Campaign will return - starting in the first week of December - but with a new look and feel.
The Orillia Salvation Army is still planning on having kettles in places like retail stores and downtown this holiday season. Kettle volunteers will be standing behind shields while wearing a mask; they will also be equipped with a tap machine so people can make a donation by tapping their debit or credit card.
Orillia Salvation Army Lt. Lynnette Trottier says the new innovations will keep their volunteers safe while out in the community during the pandemic.
“We are trying to do everything as safely as possible, that’s our No. 1 concern this year,” she said.
This year, the Orillia Salvation Army is hoping to raise $200,000 to ensure they can provide those less fortunate with healthy meals, Christmas hampers and support not only during the holidays but all year long.
Last year the Orillia Salvation Army raised $229,000, which is a mark that Trottier doesn’t expect to reach this year because of various reasons brought on by the pandemic.
“We know that there is going to be people who have given in the past who aren’t able to this year,” she said.
“Our volunteer base is going to be smaller this year because people aren’t going to be comfortable standing (with) the kettles for a couple of hours, so we know that the time that we have out in the community might not be as long as it’s been in prior years.”
Unfortunately, she said, the need for their services is starting to grow.
“When CERB (Canadian Emergency Response Benefit) was active our numbers were holding steady, but now that has kind of been removed and our numbers are going up,” Trottier explained.
“We are going to need lots of funding to provide nutritional food for our clients and that’s going to be a huge thing for us this year.”
Folks interested in volunteering with the Orillia Salvation Army for their Christmas Kettle campaign this year should call 705-326-3284, ext. 105.