Christine Whelan FEO, December 8th, 2022, VOL. 4 ISSUE 8

The Fort Erie Salvation Army is calling on Fort Erie residents to give two hours to the kettle.

Anne Watters, Manager, Community & Family Services Fort Erie at The Salvation Army at 255 Gilmore Road explained, “Having somebody at the kettles brings in approximately $125 an hour. So, every hour that there’s somebody standing there is huge for us.

“In 2019, the year before the pandemic, we had over $70,000 come in through the kettles because there were people standing there. A year later, with no one standing there due to the restrictions and fewer people going to the stores, we raised $5,000.”

Right now, they’re not able to fill the time slots.

Funds Keep The Doors Open

“This is our major fundraiser, our major source of income, for the year.”

She recalled past years. “It never fails to amaze me how generous the people in Fort Erie are. Every year, they’ve stepped up and they keep our doors open. Every penny that goes into a Fort Erie kettle, whether it be out at Joe’s in Ridgeway or here in Fort Erie, all money raised stays in the Fort Erie area.”

Each year the funds raised go directly to client needs in Fort Erie which includes running a food bank, a lunch program, and providing clothing vouchers. “It keeps our doors open for all the services we provide.”

Volunteering

Anne painted a picture. “It’s a two-hour time commitment. We have some people who do it once. We have some people who do set hours every week. It depends on the time a person has.

“Nobody has to solicit. We are not allowed to solicit. It’s just a matter of being there. Being the presence. Saying, ‘Thank you and Merry Christmas.’ That’s all there is to it. We are not allowed to touch the money. We have the people put it in themselves.”

Community Service Hours for School

“We accept high school students 15 years old and older. If a parent would like to stand with a younger student, that’s fine. We would still give them the hours for that time.”

Locations

“We’re at Joe’s Independent Grocer in Ridgeway, No Frill at Walmart, and at Sobeys. As of December 1, we are also at the LCBO. This will require more volunteers.”

On Saturday, December 3, the Fort Erie Fire Department was at No Frills with their toy and food drive. “And we also have the OPP Auxiliary at Sobeys doing a food drive.”

“This year is the second year as part of the Holiday Food Drive with Bell Media” This event will be held on December 9 at No Frills.”

If you are interested in volunteering, you can contact the Kettle Coordinator, Rob Lawrence. His cell phone is 289-696-1278 and his email is fort.erie.kettles@gmail.com

Photos Anne Watters