Hayley Wickenheiser speaks at virtual Christmas Kettle Campaign launch
The annual Salvation Army Christmas Kettle Campaign officially launched across the Alberta & Northern Territories Division on November 19, with a virtual fundraiser, Hope in the City 2020. The Salvation Army was honored to have five-time Olympic medalist, Officer of the Order of Canada, and member of the Hockey Hall of Fame, Hayley Wickenheiser, as our guest speaker at the event this year.
A special bonus introduced this year was the Day of a Thousand Lunches where with the help of our sponsors and supporters, we were able to distribute nearly 3000 winter care kits that contained a catered, boxed lunch as well as winter essentials such as gloves, toques, socks, and hygiene items. These kits were given to vulnerable individuals in communities across our Division.
“It looks a little different, it feels a little different, but the need and the demand is greater than ever,” Hayley Wickenheiser said. The support for The Salvation Army is more important than ever this year as the impact of COVID-19 has increased the number of individuals and families turning to us for help.
The live-stream event was hosted by CTV Calgary’s Teri Fikowski, and showcased many of The Salvation Army’s ministry units through pre-recorded videos highlighting the work they do for their community and how they have adjusted to the pandemic.
Other recorded appearances were made by artists such as Paul Brandt, Jann Arden, Brett Kissel, and George Canyon alongside politicians such as Lieutenant-Governor Salma Lakhani, Premier Jason Kenney, Mayor Don Iveson, and Mayor Naheed Nenshi to encourage people to support our Christmas Kettle Campaign.
Kettle campaign donations stay local and go towards our social services programs, such as food security supports, school meal programs, counselling, hot meals, job search programs, summer camps, and more. Each of our ministry units have programs and services designed to help their community’s most vulnerable.
The Kettle Campaign will run until December 24th at locations throughout our Division. Donations can also be made online at FillTheKettle.com. The event an be viewed at SalvationArmy.ca/alberta by clicking on the image of Hayley Wickenheiser.
Thank you to everyone who helped Give Hope Today by watching or donating to our Christmas Kettle Campaign.
