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HomeNewsFenelon Falls Salvation Army Kettle Campaign Overcomes Pandemic Hardships To Surpass Goal

Fenelon Falls Salvation Army Kettle Campaign Overcomes Pandemic Hardships To Surpass Goal

KAWARTHA LAKES-The Salvation Army in Fenelon Falls is celebrating the kindness of its area residents and businesses, having surpassed its Christmas campaign goals.

The call-out for fully-vaccinated volunteers to stand at the Kettles in Fenelon Falls, Coboconk and Bobcaygeon was answered by new and returning ‘bell-ringers’. “Heading into the campaign, we weren’t sure how it would play out,” says Cadet Jeff Robertson, who, along with his wife, Cadet Miya Bradburn, are pastors who head up the local ministry unit.  “COVID-19 moved the goalposts many times, but the community continued to stand strong. Almost every shift was filled, and people kept giving. Individuals, community groups, churches, and businesses came to the table. The support has been overwhelming.”

Having the option of donating by debit card or credit card this year also added to the campaign’s success.

“More and more people just aren’t carrying cash, so the TipTap option was welcome. Next year, we will have them at more locations,” says Robertson.

 

The Kettle campaign raised over $51,000, surpassing its goal of $44,000. The local Christmas mailout raised over $60,000, surpassing its goal of $45,000.  Cadet Bradburn adds, “this giving is on top of an incredible amount of food, gift cards, and toys that were donated – along with many volunteer hours to make the campaign work. And because all the money collected stays locally, residents can be assured that the funds will be used wisely to help those in need, all year long. This past Christmas, it provided special food hampers and toys to 150 families, and we are excited to start using the new kitchen and program space for community-based programming and community rentals once COVID-19 restrictions are lifted.”

“The Salvation Army is grateful for the kindness of a community that continues to show its strength of love for one another. Fenelon Falls is a great place to live, work, and play.” said officials.

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Pamela Vanmeer
Pamela Vanmeerhttps://www.kawartha411.ca/
Pamela VanMeer is a two time winner of the prestigious Radio Television Digital News Association (RTDNA) Award. Her investigative reports on abuse in Long Term Care Homes garnered international attention for the issue and won the Ron Laidlaw Award. She is a former reporter and anchor at CHEX News, now Global Peterborough and helped launch the New CHEX Daily, a daily half hour talk show. While at CHCH News in Hamilton she covered some of the biggest news stories of the day.

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