Kenny the Wandering Kettle will be roaming around Wiarton during this season's Kettle Campaign. If you take a photo or selfie, make sure to add the hashtag #KennyTheWanderingKettle (photo provided by Wiarton Salvation Army)
The Salvation Army is seeing an increase in the need for its services this holiday season across the region.
Alice Wannan, Salvation Army Community Family Service Director and Manager for Owen Sound and Saugeen Shores says the increase for food support falls within their expectations.
“Our process was a bit different, we didn’t do the big sign up days, we have been signing up people in our office so that they don’t have to make several trips, so that has been working out well. I think we are currently sitting at about 700 applications right now,” says Wannan. “We are certainly anticipating some higher numbers.”
She adds this increased need has been seen across food banks.
“Everything is more expensive, food and utilities and rent and I think that people are just struggling and the families that we are talking to, so many of the families have never had to use the food bank before, but are just finding themselves in a position this year of needing some extra help,” says Wannan.
While Wannan expects an increase in demand, she knows the community will step up.
“If we put our need out there, this community does what it can to help. We are going to ensure that everybody has food and everybody has toys this Christmas season,” says Wannan.
The Salvation Army has several fundraisers going on this season, including partnering with Bayshore Broadcasting for the 3rd Annual 89.3 CFOS FM Community Food Drive on Dec. 5 from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. The morning show will be broadcasted from Zehrs in Owen Sound.
Volunteers from the Salvation Army and from 89.3 CFOS will be at No Frills, Foodland, Metro, Food Basics, Walmart and Fresh Co. as well as Zehrs throughout the day to collect donations of non-perishable food items and monetary donations.
Also on Friday, the Salvation Army is partnering with the Owen Sound Fire Department for the hockey puck toss during the Attack game at the Bayshore.
Additionally, the annual Christmas Kettle Campaign will be out in the community across Grey Bruce collecting donations.