NEWS RELEASE
GUELPH SALVATION ARMY
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Having launched just four weeks ago, The Salvation Army’s annual Christmas Kettle Campaign is proactively taking a digital turn. With Guelph, moving into Red level as of Monday, Dec. 14, the traditional Christmas fundraiser will operate predominantly online. While traditional kettles with contactless TipTap units will still be located at shopping areas throughout Guelph, the organization is committed to prioritizing volunteer and donor safety.
“As Guelph moves into Red level, The Salvation Army is putting its focus on online donations. In this current climate, we must be sure we are doing everything we can to keep each other safe,” expressed Major Peter van Duinen, spokesperson for The Salvation Army in Guelph.
“We have made the decision to protect the safety of our hundreds of volunteers, shifting The Salvation Army’s Christmas Kettle Campaign to be a mix of physical and virtual initiatives. Just like the traditional physical Christmas Kettles, all donations made at GuelphSA.ca/Donate will be invested in the local community,” added Major van Duinen.
GuelphSA.ca/Donate is this year’s go-to donation station and will allow donors to give through their mobile phone or computer. Additionally, our physical kettles located at Stone Road Mall, Guelph and Fergus Zehrs stores, Guelph Walmart stores, and Guelph LCBO locations will remain available with our contactless TipTap pay option in place. Donors simply tap their debit or credit card to make a $5 donation. Multiple taps – up to a total of 10 taps – allow donors to increase their donation.W
ith a $345,000 fundraising goal in Guelph, the Christmas Campaign enables The Salvation Army to provide practical assistance to thousands of families and individuals who have been met with hard times. This year, due to the coronavirus, more and more people are facing new financial challenges and frightening realities.
Contributions to the kettle campaign also allows The Salvation Army to continue operating its essential year-round programs, such as emergency food and shelter programs, summer camps for kids, addiction and mental wellness referrals, and emotional and spiritual support. When donating online, donors are assured that their donation stays in the local community so that local support is extended and upheld.
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