The Salvation Army has adapted and re-tooled its signature Kettle Campaign, using touchless technology to make it easier and safer for people to donate this holiday season.
Saanich Mayor Fred Haynes demonstrated the new giving option as the Salvation Army officially launched its annual giving campaign on Tuesday.
For the past 130 years, thousands of kettle workers across the country have stationed themselves on high-traffic locations to collect donations for some the most vulnerable members of the population.
Hundreds of kettles across the province this year will be equipped with safe touchless giving technology, along with the traditional kettle. The technology is enabled by Rogers and tiptap, a Canadian start-up company.
The public can now open their wallets and purses or choose to self-tap of their debit card, credit card or smartphone to donate a pre-set $5 at a time, up to 10 times.
Also new this season is the ability for individuals to create an online kettle fundraising webpage and invite friends, co-workers and family to donate to the cause.
“Together we can make a difference,” Haynes said as he made his donation. “I know it is tough, but for many it’s never been tougher. It’s never been more important to give.”
The Salvation Army is one of the groups that receives money from the Times Colonist Christmas Fund, which supports people in need during the holiday season.
The funds collected will assist families and individuals in crisis living at or below the poverty level. Due to the pandemic this year has been a year like no other, with no end in sight.
“We are seeing an increase in the need for our services across the board,” said Patricia Mamic, Salvation Army spokeswoman. “In some areas we are seeing over a two to three hundred per cent increase in people who need our support. The funds from our kettle program this month are going to be vital in order to meet that need.”
The charity hopes to raise $4.5 million during the campaign to feed, clothe and shelter the one in nine British Columbians who are struggling to make ends meet. Contributions also allow others to escape violence and addiction.
Mamic said kettle donations stay in the community in which they were given.
The campaign runs until Dec. 24. For more information, go to salvationarmy.ca.
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