GLACE BAY, N.S. — Fred Courtney is hoping another Christmas miracle will help the Glace Bay Salvation Army meet their Christmas 2019 fundraising goals.
With less than a week left until the church's annual Red Kettle campaign finishes on Dec. 24, Courtney said they're $45,000 off what they need for 2020.
"We need $75,000 (to help provide community support through the year)," said Courtney who has been overseeing the Glace Bay campaign for more than 25 years.
"As of Dec. 13, we had raised only $30,000 ... Last year, we were in the same boat but we raised the last $40,000 we needed in the last week."
Courtney, who started delivering presents on Christmas Eve with the Salvation Army in 1983, told the Cape Breton Post that, over the past few years, it's been the same — struggling to get enough donations during their three-week fundraising campaign. However, often the organization sees an increase of donations in the week leading up to Christmas and this is a big help.
"Without the help of people (in the community) and the support we get ... we wouldn't be able to help people in need like we do."
Roughly 25 per cent of money raised during the Chrismas Red Kettle campaign is used to help families during the holiday, Courtney explained. The majority is used for community outreach and emergencies services during the year, such as help needed with travel costs for medical appointments or home heating money during a financially difficult time.
The New Waterford Salvation Army is also doing its own Red Kettle fundraising drive, despite closing the physical location of their church in September. Although the congregation now meets in Glace Bay, the New Waterford campaign raises money to be used for people in that area and it's distributed all year long.
"The money is distributed through family services in Glace Bay," said Lynn Merry, co-ordinator of the New Waterford campaign.
So far the 2019 Red Kettle campaign in New Waterford has raised about $16,000 — more than this time last year, which was a banner year raising close to $29,000 (the highest amount ever raised in the area.)
"Thank you to every volunteer who works on our kettles," Merry said. "I think it's important to thank these people, like my husband said, we couldn't do it without them."
Salvation Army's Red Kettle Campaign
Where to donate in Glace Bay:
- NSLC
- Atlantic Superstore
- Sobeys
- Foodland
- Sterling Mall
- By calling 902-565-8288
Where to donate in New Waterford:
- Pharmasave
- NSLA
- Sobeys
RELATED:
Kettle campaigns in Glace Bay, New Waterford a success in 2018
