Making a donation to the Salvation Army Christmas Kettle Campaign is a strong holiday tradition not only in the Flin Flon community, but also across the world.
The kettle donations began in 1886 in San Francisco and quickly generated interest worldwide.
In Flin Flon, Major Debbie Allen says they were just $250 short of this goal of $15,000 over the course of December.
The Salvation Army collected $14,750 to go towards the cost of the hampers they provided to families within the area as well as any future needs that arise.
“It was great,” said Allen. “It was a really good year.”
The Salvation Army first came to Flin Flon in 1929 and began the kettles shortly after that. They have collected spare change for nearly 80 years.
“It’s amazing,” said Allen. “Sometimes people feel ashamed because all they have is a handful of change, but no one should ever be ashamed for what they give. Every nickel counts.”
The Salvation Army also had a successful hamper program for families in the local area as well as Sherridon, Cranberry Portage and now Pukatawagan.
“We gave out more hampers this year and helped 92 families, including five from Pukatawagan. As far as anyone can remember (this is the first) time we’ve had families from Pukatawagan receive hampers,” said Allen.
Though the program has helped families in Sherridon and Cranberry Portage for years, Allen said it was nice to expand their borders even further to welcome another community.
“We were able to help five families and we were able to…give toys to the children,” she said.
The Salvation Army backs the Kettle campaign as well as the Hamper Program, but Allen said it always comes down to the community.
“Without the community, we wouldn’t be able to accomplish anything that we do. It’s people standing at the kettle and those who donate (that make it work),” she said.
