Yesterday was Kettle Kick-Off At the Salvation Army

Yesterday was 'Kettle Kick-Off' at the Salvation Army. They hosted two information sessions throughout the day where volunteers could sign up and gather together. Campaign coordinator Rose Carrier says it's a way for them to acknowledge how much effort volunteers put in.

"We have 355 shifts to fill, so if you put that into perspective that's 710 hours of volunteer time. We have over 200 shifts booked already in the last two weeks, it's just been wonderful. So what we're doing today, we're thanking the folks for taking the time to help us out with the kettles," says Carrier.

Volunteers got to enjoy coffee and desserts and heard short speeches from Carrier and Brenda Hammond, giving their appreciation and letting them know what they'll be doing with the kettles this year.

Carrier says they hope the fundraising goal reaches or surpasses last year's total.

"We raised a little over $30,000 which is phenomenal, and we haven't raised much money for a long time. So we're really hoping that's what we do again this year, and maybea little bit more, it'd be wonderful if we could," Carrier says.

In terms of the Kettle Campaign's impact, Carrier says it's huge.

"It means a lot. There's so many unfortunate folks in our city. This will help with the Christmas hampers this year, because we have to buy a lot of things for the hampers, and gift cards and food, all kinds of things," Carrier explains.

Carrier notes if you want to take part and be a volunteer this year, you can contact her at the Salvation Army on Tuesdays to Fridays from 10 a.m to 3 p.m to sign up to man a kettle.