The Salvation Army’s annual Kettle Campaign is now underway across Smiths Falls, Perth, Sharbot Lake and the Mississippi Rideau Lakes region, marking the start of the organization’s busiest season of the year.
Major Chad Ingram says the holiday effort begins long before snow arrives, with planning starting in August.
He says the campaign is vital because every dollar raised stays local and supports families struggling in the community.
Ingram says last year, the Salvation Army helped hundreds of families.
Ingram says the kettles are their only fundraiser of the year, and the money collected carries their programs well beyond Christmas. Despite challenges like mail delays and increased demand, the charity met its goals last year thanks to strong community support.
He says the need continues to rise, but so does local generosity—something he hopes will continue throughout this year’s campaign.
