Salvation Army launches its 2024 Red Kettle Campaign with the help of Woodstock’s deputy mayor and councillor
A Christmas tradition in Woodstock and around the world launched again on Thursday, Nov. 21, as the familiar red kettles returned to four of Woodstock’s most prominent retail outlets.
Woodstock Deputy Mayor Mark Rogers, Coun Jeff Bradbury, and Sobeys manager Dave Wilson joined Woodstock Salvation Army Majors Angel and Marlene Sandoval to officially launch the 2024 Woodstock Salvation Army Red Kettle Campaign.
Angel noted this marks the 10th year he and his wife Marlene participated in Woodstock’s campaign, a worldwide fundraising campaign that dates back over a century.
He said the program will set up kettles Monday through Saturday every week until Dec. 23 at Atlantic SuperStore, Sobeys, Canadian Tire, and Walmart.
Angel said last year’s Woodstock campaign raised $60,000.
“But, the $60,000 went so fast because of the need in the community,” he said.
This year, they set the fundraising goal at $65,000.
Angel said the kettle campaign represents the Salvation Army Woodstock Community Church’s largest annual fundraiser to help deliver acts of kindness to support those in need.
Marlene noted Christmas is a time of giving for many people.
“And people are getting into the spirit of Christmas,” she said.
Angel said the local Scotiabank returns this year for a special fundraising day. Staff will oversee kettles on Dec. 7, and the bank will match all donations up to $3,000.
He added that the Y’s Men Club will also sponsor a special day this year, with club members manning the kettles this Saturday, Nov. 23, and the club matching donations up to $1,000.
Marlene said the campaign still needs volunteers to handle the kettles, with many open times left to fill.
Angel urged residents, businesses, and organizations to call him to schedule a spot on the rotation.
“They can call us (at 506-324-4565) and we can explain to them and arrange a time,” he said.
Rogers and Bradbury explained they happily filled in for Mayor Trina Jones, who was out of town on the launch day.
Both said they would look after the kettle for part of launch day, while they, Mayor Jones and other council members will volunteer time later in the campaign.
As they launched the 2024 kettle campaign at Sobeys, the Sandovals noted two of the campaign’s most dedicated volunteers were collecting donations at the nearby Atlantic Superstore.
Angel said former Woodstock Mayor Art Slipp and his wife Lynn always volunteer to oversee a kettle for at least one full day.
The former mayor said he and Lynn worked beside the Sandovals over the past decade and with Salvation Army majors before their arrival.
With his busy schedule during his time as mayor, he said volunteering to set up a day with the kettle proved easier than scheduling various times throughout the campaign.
After Lynn retired from her health administration position, she joined him beside the kettle.
Slipp said it’s a great way to spend the day. Not only is he helping collect money for an essential cause, but it also provides a unique opportunity to meet old friends and acquaintances.
Slipp encourages people to volunteer their time, even for an hour.
