How the Salvation Army rescued the local kettle campaign

The Salvation Army is launching new technologies to assist in this year’s Christmas Kettle Campaign as COVID-19 restrictions interfere with the charity’s traditional collection methods.

Due to the pandemic, you’ll probably see fewer kettles that will be mostly located outdoors this year, with fewer bell ringers, but the Salvation Army hopes new ways to donate will help make up for any potential shortfall.

Kelowna Salvation Army Executive Director Capt. Darryl Burry says COVID-19 has resulted in a reduction in the number of kettles being placed in the community this year, and all stations are equipped with sanitation protocols for COVID-19. Bell ringers will also be equipped with personal protective equipment.

“Most kettles have been moved to outside locations in an effort to keep everyone safe, and most locations will have new contactless payment options available next week,” Berry says.

The device will be distributed to kettle locations in early December, allowing donors to make a contactless donation by the bank, credit card or smartphone device in increments of $5 or more.

Kelowna locations are down from 16 last year to eight this year, with three more kettle locations coming onstream starting in December, Burry says.

The campaign runs until 2 p.m. Dec. 24.

Also new this year is a Salvation Army national campaign to fill the kettle. Burry says donors can sign up at fillthekettle.com to be a ‘virtual bell ringer’ and set up their own kettle that can be promoted through social media, or email.

“You can set your own goal for fundraising for the Salvation Army. It’s a really easy way to support the charity in your community,” Burry says.

Penticton Salvation Army Kettle Campaign coordinator Rose Marie Cargill says the number of volunteers for this year’s campaign has dropped drastically, from 150 last year to 65 this year, with only five kettles operating compared to eight last year.

She says Penticton will also see the debit card payment machines distributed early next week.

“It’s a really neat machine to have during these times,” she says.

The Penticton campaign has gotten off to a good start since it began on Nov. 16.

“We’re doing great – we recently brought in over $21,000 in just two days,” she says, but adds more volunteers are needed.

“We’re grateful to those that have stepped up.”

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