Scotiabank tops up the Christmas Kettles
This Friday is the day when people can double up their donations to the Salvation Army's Christmas Kettle campaign.
During regular bank hours at all three city branches (Gateway Village, Grandin Mall and Citadel Village locations), donors will have their contributions matched to a maximum of $5,000 per branch. That means that if all three branches reach their potential, $15,000 in public donations will be turned into $30,000 towards the campaign.
Last year, the Gateway Village branch started the challenge and achieved its goal.
This is a one-day only challenge and only during regular bank hours.
Otherwise, people can make their donations (in cash or by credit) at any of the following locations: Walmart, Superstore, both Safeway locations, both Save-On Foods locations, St. Albert Centre, Sobeys and Costco. There are also kettles in Spruce Grove at the Walmart and Superstore and at Friesen Bros. in Stony Plain. Volunteers are still needed to cover two-hour shifts at all locations.
The campaign lasts until Dec. 24 and its goal is $300,000. All funds stay local, going to support a variety of the church's programs and services.
People can contact the church to learn more about the campaign or its programs – or to sign up as a volunteer – by calling 780-458-1937. You can also visit salvationarmy.ca/donate to help out. The church is located at 165 Liberton Drive.
Kinettes' Christmas hampers
The Kinette Club's 46th annual Christmas hamper drive is looking for donations of non-perishable food and new, unwrapped gifts for children (for children aged 0 through 18). The volunteer-run program works to help financially struggling families get through the tough winter season.
Last year, more than 240 families received hampers.
People can make their donations at the following locations: St. Albert Centre, St. Albert Place, both Save-On Foods stores, Ron Hodgson Chevrolet Buick GMC, St. Albert Business & Visitor Centre, Curves, ATB Financial, Servus Place and Bellerose, Paul Kane and St. Albert High schools.
The St. Albert Gazette also has a collection box for the campaign and will be making its annual donation of 300 hams to the drive.
This year's Fill-a-Bus event (run with the generous support of St. Albert Transit and drivers with Diversified Transportation) takes place this Saturday between 9 a.m. and 3 p.m. at the following locations: Canadian Tire, Costco, Sobeys, both Safeway stores, Superstore and Walmart.
Monetary donations (by cash or cheque) can be dropped off at Fire Hall #3, 100 Giroux Road. Cheques can also be mailed to: Kinette Club of St. Albert, Christmas Hamper Program, PO Box 65064, Mission Hill Plaza, St. Albert, AB T8N 5Y3.
More volunteers would be greatly appreciated as well. For more information, please email [email protected] or phone 780-965-6454.
