Volunteering for The Salvation Army’s Christmas Kettle Campaign since 1957

For 65 years, Bill Isaac, 89, has been a volunteer for The Salvation Army’s Christmas Kettle Campaign in Kelowna, B.C. Since 1957 he has served as a member of the church, contributing to different programs and campaigns throughout the years for The Salvation Army. Today, he is focused on helping count the incoming Kettle Campaign donations.

As a man of faith, the values of The Salvation Army are what inspire Isaac to serve.

“Helping The Salvation Army is something that I always wanted to do for the Lord. And I love the way they help people. It warms my heart every time I hear them talk about the Lord and I am happy to be part of it,” Isaac said.

As a former banker, counting money comes naturally to him. Since his early days of volunteering for The Salvation Army, Isaac has held duties involving financial oversight.

“For as long as the Lord allows me to, I will help The Salvation Army.”

“When I first started volunteering, they found out I was a banker, so they immediately assigned me the position of treasurer,” he said.

According to Major Mark Wagner of the Kelowna Salvation Army, Kelowna’s Kettle Campaign is run by a large pool of volunteers. This makes committed volunteers like Isaac, so crucial to the success of the campaign each year.

“Our entire bell-ringing force consists of volunteers. I think roughly speaking we have close to 900 volunteers so far,” Major Wagner said.

Kelowna’s Christmas campaign hopes to raise $850,000 this year. They are always looking for more volunteers and donors to support the cause.

As for Bill Isaac, he says he has a lifelong commitment to serving within The Salvation Army.

“I have 11 more years to go since my niece says I am going to live to see 100. For as long as the Lord allows me to, I will help The Salvation Army,” Isaac said.

The Salvation Army’s Christmas Kettle Campaign is currently underway, if you are interested in making an impact by volunteering please visit https://salvationarmy.ca/volunteer/ for more information.

By Juan Romero