By Sheldon Spackman

Pandemic Impact

Salvation Army Christmas Kettle Campaign raises $175,000 in Red Deer

Jan 5, 2021 | 10:15 AM

Officials with the Salvation Army in Red Deer are happy with the results of this year’s Christmas Kettle Campaign, despite the COVID-19 pandemic having a major impact.

Major Kent Hepditch says they managed to raise $175,000 – down from about $240,000 last year.

He points out that the last couple of weeks of the campaign were very limited.

“For example, instead of the seven manned indoor kettles that we had in November and the first part of December, last year there were about 10, we only had two outdoor kettles at Costco and Superstore,” says Hepditch. “We did have tip tap machines on indoor kettles, but people don’t normally donate unless there’s a volunteer standing at the kettle. So, tip tap donations were minimal.”

“Considering this, and considering the strange year it’s been, we’re very satisfied with our total,” adds Hepditch. “Because of COVID, our locations and volunteers were down. So, we’re very satisfied, and grateful to the community for their amazing generosity.”

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