The Salvation Army is appealing for donations to its Kettle Campaign, which organizers say is $600,000 short of its $1.25-million goal.
Lt.-Col. Larry Martin, director of special projects for the Alberta and Northern Territories division of the Salvation Army, said the current fundraising tally is about $100,000 lower than the amount collected by this time last year for the charity’s annual Christmas campaign.
“Calgarians have always been very generous,” said Martin. “We’ve been able to count on them and we’re sure they’ll do the best they can. We recognize it’s difficult for everybody these days, with the economy being the way it is, but we’re still trusting that people will dig a little deeper, those who are able to, and help us reach that goal.”
Martin said the organization has an additional 500 families to help this year, including an extra 1,400 children.
The Salvation Army is short about 20,000 toys compared with this time last year, and also needs volunteers to stand next to the campaign’s red kettles.
“We’re about 40 per cent not filled,” said Martin.
He added the Christmas program is in need of donations for teens — such as portable speakers, headphones and gift cards — and for infants.
The annual campaign supports families who are experiencing financial setbacks, said Martin.
“Maybe people who are out of work because of changes in the economy, maybe running out of their EI and people who might be on fixed incomes, some people are homeless,” said Martin. “And for a wide variety of reasons may be struggling, particularly at Christmas.”
Funds raised through the campaign also support local programs throughout the year, including a women’s shelter, back-to-school supplies and job search programs.