Dear Editor:
Seven weeks until Christmas. The holidays will look different this year. Covid-19 has changed the world. More people are shopping online, and social distancing and masks make for a very different personal shopping experience. COVID has also disrupted many lives with job loss and food insecurity.
The Salvation Penticton Food Bank is needed more than ever. The Red Salvation Army stands and kettles that you see in various locations throughout our city raises most of the yearly budget for the Food Bank and Family Services operations. More than ever before we need your help. We need volunteers to step up and help those in our community that need it most. Will you step up and help this year?
Funds raised stay in our community and are used to support programs and services for marginalized people and to help them find a way out of poverty. We also distribute 400-500 Hampers every month to needy individuals and families in addition to 2000 people that are accessing the food bank per month.
Last year the Kettle campaign raised $102,662 for Family Services. This year the goal to reach is $100,000.
Kettles will look different this year. We are taking measures for everyone’s safety. Adherence to provincial and local public health guidelines are critical (e.g., PPE, sanitization of equipment, hand hygiene, physical distancing and self-screening).
I have the opportunity of being the Kettle Coordinator this year and realize we have 500 shifts to fill! Can you help us by volunteering at a kettle sometimes this Christmas?
The kettles are in place at five Penticton locations, Walmart, Walmart 2, London Drugs, and Save-On- Foods (down from 10 last year due to Covid-19) from November 16-December 24, 10-6 except Sundays. The shifts are two hours. Training is provided. You can pick your own hours and locations. It is easy, fun and rewarding.
Please contact me for more information. Rose – Email: pentictonkettlecoordinator@shaw.ca - phone at office -250-492-6494 – cell 250-488-0726