Regina’s Kettle Campaign halfway to goal

The Salvation Army’s annual Kettle Campaign is underway in the Queen City.

Val Wiks, with the Salvation Army, said the campaign is going well this year, having raised over $100,000 so far, with a goal of $215,000.

“The money raised in the kettles will fund our programs throughout the year, not only paying for Christmas but sends kids to camp, back to school, backpacks for kids, emergency food, community lunches, it does all kinds of things,” Wiks said.

Volunteer spots are 98 per cent full right now, with around 64 spots available to fill between now and when the campaign wraps up on Dec. 23. Wiks said the generosity of the volunteers is amazing.

“It is so much fun to stand there and ring bells, and this year we can ring bells in all but two locations,” Wiks said.

This year, Wicks has found people have been a little more giving.

“I’m not sure exactly what it is, but there’s lots of smiles out there, there’s lots of kids wanting to help,” she said.

“I was at the Northgate Mall the other night and there was a Cub group there and about 10 little boys, all wanting to ring the bell at the same time, so their Cub master had some of them opening the doors, wishing people a Merry Christmas,” Wiks continued.

She said she’s also seen a lot of kids dragging their parents back to the kettles to make a donation. “The kids are leading this year,” Wiks said.

And as it grows closer to Christmas, that generosity is picking up.

“In the last week, we’ve seen an increase (in donations), we still have a ways to go to get to our goal but I’m quite confident that the citizens of Regina will help us out again,” Wiks said.

Anyone looking to volunteer this year can call Wicks at 306-757-6403.