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Peter Kim at the launch of the Salvation Army's Christmas Kettle fundraiser in 2019 (Photo by Liam Verster)
By Shane Clausing
kettle campaign

Salvation Army in desperate need of volunteers as Kettle Campaign nears final push

Dec 21, 2021 | 12:50 PM

With Christmas four days away, the Salvation Army in Grande Prairie says it is in need of volunteers to help with the annual Kettle Campaign.

Captain Peter Kim with the Salvation Army tells EverythingGP, they can use all the help they can get before Christmas, so they can help raise money for the local food bank.

“We need volunteers at all locations and at various times. We are really short this year for the last few days of the Christmas Kettle Campaign,” said Kim. “We are looking at almost 10-20 shifts per day until Christmas Eve. If anyone can help us that would be greatly appreciated.”

The Kettle Campaign takes place at various different locations throughout Grande Prairie, including the Prairie Mall and Wal-Mart.

Kim says one of the reasons they are short on volunteers during the home stretch of the campaign is because some of their regulars take this week off to go away on vacation.

With 10-20 shifts needed to be filled per day until Christmas Eve, Kim says the volunteer work is quite easy.

“You stand by the kettle and wish everyone a Merry Christmas and you wave to people if they donate or not,” he explained.

“There is a tap machine where people don’t need to touch anything or they can throw money into the bucket. They (the volunteer) wipes it (the machine and bucket) down for everyone to keep everyone safe.”

Each shift for the Kettle Campaign is two hours long, which Kim mentions makes a big difference for them.

“A two-hour shift makes a lifetime of difference for those who are in need in our community.”

So far, Kim says they have raised $435,000 for the campaign, which is an increase from last week. This year’s goal is for the Salvation Army in Grande Prairie to raise $575,000.

Kim mentions he is confident the Swan City will be able to get them to their goal, and across the finish line.

“We find Grande Prairie is a very last-minute community and loves to give. It gets me worried, but I can trust that we will hit our goal. We will do the best we can with what we can get.”

You can volunteer for a shift with the Salvation Army by contacting Lynn at 780-538-2848

by Shane Clausing