While the Salvation Army Christmas Kettles are doing better this year than last, they will not be hosting their Christmas dinner this year.

By Alessia Proietti

Uncertain future for holiday dinners

Donations up for Salvation Army’s Kettle Campaign

Dec 7, 2021 | 5:13 PM

While their Christmas Kettles are filling up fast with donations, the Salvation Army’s annual Christmas dinner tradition may be off the table for good because of the pandemic.

As of Nov. 30, just two weeks after it started on Nov. 15, the Kettles have raised $73,000. That according to Kent Hepditch, Pastor and Corps Officer of the Salvation Army in Red Deer. He notes at this time last year, the Kettles had reached $68,000.

He further points out that 2020 donations brought in $65,000 less than in 2019, predominantly due to pandemic restrictions, but this year seems to be a little different, says Hepditch.

“Were just very grateful for their generosity,” said Major Hepditch, of Central Albertans.

“I know things are tough, but it seems like the people of Red Deer and the surrounding communities,” mentioning the latest addition of Innisfail to the kettle list, “it seems like they just continue to come through every year.”

mayor hopes to meet housing minister this month

Alberta demands Ottawa back off on housing funding stripped from Red Deer

11h ago

Last seen Jan. 15

Missing: Courtney Cattleman, 17, of Maskwacis

16h ago

eyes up

Air Spray training around Red Deer Regional Airport

17h ago

The new Kettle Coordinator is Bob Riley, previous general manager of the Mission Thrift Store near Bower Place.

There are 1400 two-hour volunteer shifts available for the Christmas Kettles. The Salvation Army encourages the public to contact Bob Riley if interested at 403-346-2251 or email at robert.riley@salvationarmy.ca.

The Christmas Kettle is the Salvation Army’s largest fundraiser, supporting not only Christmas initiatives but all year-round community ministries, as the organization is fully-run on donations.

Like last year, the Salvation Army’s annual Thanksgiving and Christmas dinners were cancelled in 2021 as a result of COVID-19 circumstances.

Instead, they partnered with the Potter’s Hands Soup Kitchen, in donating food and volunteers in their holiday dinners and will be doing the same this year.

Hepditch anticipates this might be a permanent decision going forward for the organization.

“We owe it to our donors to make the best possible use of resources, and we felt that dollars spent duplicating services already being provided would be better used in filling gaps where needs are not being me,” said Major Hepditch.

The Salvation Army allocates the funds to new and ongoing programs, serving the Red Deer region in just some of the following ways:

• During the 2020-2021 school year, over 38,000 weekend meals were provided to children who were food insecure, serving 24 schools,
• Food hampers have tripled and deliveries have been made to individuals who are physically incapable of picking at the Salvation Army office or are quarantined due to COVID-19,
• Vouchers for clothing and household items all year long,
• In 2020, 634 individuals benefited from ‘Adopt-A-Family /Senior Program’. 362 of these individuals were children,
• 130 Christmas Care Bags being delivered to the Red Deer Remand Centre,
• In 2020, 40 new beds were provided to families in need,
• During Christmas 2020 and throughout 2021, poinsettias & chocolates were delivered to the hospital and retirement homes,
• Planning to resume Friday seniors’ meals in February 2022.  Before COVID, the organization was feeding 100 seniors per week,
• Work with the Red Deer and Innisfail Hospitals in providing Hospital to Home care packages to discharged patients who need assistance,
• Weekday bread and desserts distribution,
• Providing diapers and wipes to those who need them,
• Providing bread to various schools, the community shelter and the Clothing Zone