Bell ringers needed for kettle campaign

Details

Published on Thursday, November 24, 2016

By Miranda Leybourne

Neepawa Banner

The Salvation Army in Neepawa is looking for volunteer bell ringers for their annual Christmas Kettle campaign. 

Amanda Naughton-Gale, community services representative at the Neepawa Salvation Army, says even if people can only volunteer an hour or two, it would still make a difference for the campaign, which kicks off on Nov. 26 and runs until the week before Christmas.

“We have different locations around Neepawa -- there's indoor locations and outdoor locations,” Naughton-Gale says about where the bell ringers will be stationed. “Some locations are Harris Pharmacy, outside of Home Hardware, outside of the liquor store. We also have locations at Safeway and Co-op and in front of the post office, as well.”

The volunteers, she explains, would ring the bells, man the kettles and thank people for their donations while encouraging others to donate, too. 

“Basically, it's just an hour or two shift -- sometimes if you can bring a friend, it's a lot more company for you...it's just a great way to talk to people, talk to your neighbours in the community and spend an hour or two doing something good for the community.”

All the money raised during the Christmas Kettle campaign goes to the Christmas hampers at the local Salvation Army, which serves Neepawa and the surrounding area. The hampers are available for anyone who finds themselves in need during the holiday season. 

Normally, Naughton-Gale says, the annual total raised by the campaign is around $5,000.

“We're hoping for more this year, of course,” she adds. “As years go on, food costs increase...and if we don't use it all for Christmas hampers, it goes back into running the food bank...it definitely goes back into the community, regardless.”

People interested in volunteering can call 204-476-3787 to sign up.