Critical shortfalls in Salvation Army Christmas Kettle campaign in Sudbury

The Salvation Army in Sudbury is reaching out to the community as it urgently needs volunteers and donations to reach its fundraising goal in the annual Christmas Kettle campaign.

Officials said the goal this year is $250,000, but the registered charity is facing a critical shortfall with just more than 60 per cent of that goal raised so far.

Ralph Mouland, left, Kettle campaign volunteer poses with Lt. Justin Russell of the Salvation Army Sudbury. (Alana Everson/CTV News)

"Every dollar that goes into a kettle here in the city of Greater Sudbury stays in our community," said Lt. Justin Russell, of the Salvation Army Sudbury.

"(It) helps to support our Christmas Hamper program to families; it helps support our food bank throughout the year, as well as helping to send children to our summer camp (and) some back-to-school supplies."

The other big challenge now is that 36 per cent of its remaining volunteer shifts are unfilled. There are nine kettle locations in Sudbury and the days are counting down.

The campaign runs until Dec. 24 at noon.

Ralph Mouland has volunteered at the kettles for the past two years.

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"It’s exciting to see people with the smiles on their face, dropping their donations into the kettle and to tell stories about how the Salvation Army has helped them in the past," Mouland said.

"So that makes me (feel) lots of joy in my heart at this time of the year and to help out the Salvation Army."

Officials said funds raised during the Christmas Kettle Campaign are essential for the charity to offer vital programs and support for thousands of individuals and families.

To volunteer to help with the Christmas Kettle Campaign, call 705-919-1375 or send an email.