Sarnia's Salvation Army is hoping the community will be extra generous during the last week of its 2025 Christmas kettle campaign.
Captain Brad Webster said so far they've raised close to 60 per cent of their fundraising target.
"Right now our kettles are sitting at $100,782.85," Webster said. "That's 58 per cent of our total goal of $175,000."
He said there are eight days remaining in the campaign, plus one shift on Christmas Eve if needed.
"We're hoping to raise that additional $74,217," Webster said. "We're always happy with whatever may be given. It's great to hear the stories on the kettles. It's great to meet people as you're standing on the kettle. The goal is important to us, as it helps fund some of our programs throughout the year."
Webster has faith the target will be reached.
"As a pastor, I'm not worried," he said. "I believe that the community has stepped up before in previous years. In the last seven years, we've never missed our goal, it's always been hit. Demand is up more this year, and usage of our food bank and our other services are up quite a bit, as it is with any other organization. We're confident, and we're hopeful, that we will hit the $175,000."
Webster said they also have a lot of support in the final days of the campaign to reach the goal.
"Every kettle shift is pretty much booked for this week. There's not one available kettle shift, and that's to the great work by our kettle coordinator, and the amazing volunteers that we have throughout the community," he said.
Webster said if you're willing and able to give, every little bit helps.
"We're just hoping if you have an extra dollar or two in your pocket, or you're willing to tap... we have $5, $10, and $25 taps on our kettle stands, and it will help get us closer to that goal," Webster said.
You'll find kettles at Lambton Mall, Canadian Tire, Walmart, and Superstore.
They're also set up at Sarnia's Lakeshore and Quinn Drive LCBO locations.
