Kettle volunteer dons his legion uniform as he rings the bell for The Salvation Army

Larry Dewey is retired; he keeps busy volunteering for various organizations and sits on multiple executive boards. A few years ago, a friend of his, Windsor, invited him to attend a fellowship breakfast at The Salvation Army’s Fort McMurray community church. That was when his relationship with The Salvation Army began.

“They’re an awesome group of people. It’s not only in Fort McMurray; it’s throughout the world that the Salvation Army has a good reputation,” Dewey said.

In January 2020, Dewey and his wife would spend the next few months in Edmonton as he underwent 39 radiation treatments. For every session, Dewey’s wife would knit a toque. It was a conversation starter, but more importantly – a distraction. By the end of the treatments, she had 42 toques knitted and donated every single one of them to The Salvation Army in Edmonton.

Dewey takes pride in volunteering at the Kettles as he dons his legion uniform and rings the bell at his local grocery store.

The connection to his community is what keeps him volunteering each year. As a member of the Royal Canadian Legion, he wants folks to know that the legion is supportive of the work The Salvation Army does.

“They do a lot in the community and do a lot in the world. I’ve got to pay it back,” Dewey said.

The hours put in by the volunteers during The Salvation Army’s Christmas Kettle campaign makes it possible for programs and services to run all year round. The money raised goes back into the community to help fight poverty, homelessness, and hunger.

The Salvation Army Christmas Kettle campaign launched on November 18, 2021. Contactless donations can be made in person, or you can visit online at salvatioarmy.ca/donate and help give hope today.