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Salvation Army Nearing Half Way Mark In Campaign

Dec 13, 2017 | 3:50 PM

Vernon’s Salvation Army has raised 44 percent of its fundraising goal with nine days left in its campaign.

Lieutenant Stefan Reid says 219-thousand dollars has come from their mail-out and kettle campaigns, with a goal of $500,000.

“There is always a little bit of concern for sure, but if we don’t reach that 500-thousand dollar mark, we’ll always make end’s meet for people, but we’re proud to be part of this community and we know the community will continue to support us,” Reid tells Kiss FM.

Reid says the kettles are about 3-thousand dollars ahead of last year — but they could still use more volunteers to ring the bells.

The money is used through-out the year to help with the food bank,  referrals to addiction counselling, emergency disaster services and other programs.

“There is always shifts to fill. We’re in 13 locations across the city. People can sign up at vernonhouseofhope.com, or call here at the House of Hope and speak to our kettle coordinator.”

Reid says about 500 Christmas gift card hampers will be given out to families and people in need starting next Monday.

He says that’s a similar number as last year.

“Last year we did about 650 interviews, but we had quite a few people who actually didn’t show last year. So I think this year, people came in who truly needed a Christmas hamper, and we were able to provide that to those people,” adds Reid.