A familiar and festive campaign kicked off Thursday at Midtown Plaza. Joined by the mayor who made the first donation, The Salvation Army Saskatoon launched their Christmas Kettle Campaign.

Lieutenant Derek Kerr, Executive Director at The Salvation Army says this campaign raises money for the organization’s programs and services that run throughout the year. These include summer camps, Food on the Move, day camps, holiday camps, breakfast programs, and the Back-to School program.

This year, Kerr says they have a fundraising goal of $325,000. Last year the campaign raised $298,000, nearly $100,000 more than anticipated.
Kerr says he is confident that Saskatoon will help them reach this year’s goal, although he understands that inflation and the Covid-19 pandemic have taken a toll on many bank accounts.

“People realize that with Covid affecting so many people, those that were laid off or lost their job, or even with the cost of goods and services now due to inflation, they know that there’s others in their community that may not be as fortunate as they are, and (they) are willing to step up to the plate,” Kerr says.

As part of their Christmas Campaign, the Salvation Army also runs a Christmas Hamper Program, which assisted over 3,000 families last year alone. Within those families, 10,000 children and 6,000 adults were supported.