Hub Staff

The Salvation Army in Port Elgin is looking for volunteers for their annual Christmas Kettle Campaign, which will officially get underway December 1.

The fundraiser occurs each year during the Christmas season across Canada and funds raised go to supporting the work of The Salvation Army.

“It is our largest fundraiser for the year,” said Volunteer Diane Thorne, who looks after the local Kettle program. “The money generated from these kettles is used in Saugeen Shores throughout the year and at Christmas. It’s money that stays here.”

Thorne said that ideally volunteers would be able to donate their time for three hour shifts but that she would be happy with whatever time people can give. “Locations are Foodland (Southampton), (Rowland’s) Independent, Giant Tiger and Walmart,” she said.

If any is interested in being a Kettle volunteer, they are asked to contact Diane Thorne or Ed Giles at the Salvation Army Family Services in Port Elgin by phone at 519-389-3942 or by e-mail at salarmy.pefs@bmts.com.

The Iota Phi Toy Drive will begin collecting toys from November 9 to December 9 and will have drop off locations throughout Saugeen Shores.

In Southampton the drop locations are Southampton Post office, Rexall and Home Hardware. In Port Elgin toys can be dropped at Walmart, Canadian Tire, Port Elgin Legion, Rowland’s Independent, Fitness Corner, Giant Tiger, 98 The Beach, Dollar Tree, Saugeen Shores Police Station and Lakeshore Recreation.

Last year Iota Phi was given toy requests from the Salvation Army for 61 families and 111 children in the area.