Lougheed Foundation matching local Salvation Army Christmas kettle donations to $50K

As it faces a greater demand for the services it provides to some of Greater Sudbury’s most vulnerable, paired with a drop in volunteers for its iconic Christmas kettle campaign, The Salvation Army has received a big boost from the Lougheed Foundation.

The organization has seen a 19-per-cent increase in the number of people who have visited this year because of delayed wages as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, according to a press release distributed recently by the organization.

People listing homelessness as their reason for visits has doubled since 2019. The Salvation Army has seen the number of people needing support skyrocket almost five times over last year in some locations across the country. 

At the same time, due to the pandemic, The Salvation Army is short “hundreds” of volunteers locally for its iconic Christmas kettle donation program, where people are asked to stand in public places, ringing bells and asking for donations.

The Lougheed Foundation is matching Christmas kettle donations locally up to the first $50,000. Representing the foundation, Gerry Lougheed Jr. and Geoffrey Lougheed made the announcement at the Nov. 19 meeting of the Rotary Club of Sudbury Sunrisers.

The brothers, well known for their philanthropic efforts, say they’ve been ringing the bells and collecting for The Salvation Army Christmas kettle program since they were kids. 

Their late parents, Gerry Lougheed Sr. and Marguerite Lougheed, were strong supporters of The Salvation Army, a legacy passed onto their sons.

“Dad and mom really saw the Army as an opportunity to make the world a better place right here in Sudbury,” Geoffrey said, adding that the Lougheed Foundation continues his parents’ tradition of goodwill in this community and beyond.

“It really is just very special for us today to come here. I don’t know where my dad and mom are smiling down from, but I’m going to tell you, I’m sure they’re happy today because this is something they believed in tremendously, and Gerry and I are simply vessels to ensure it comes about.”

Captain Deb VanderHayden of The Salvation Army said the organization has been “blessed greatly” by the Lougheed Foundation’s contribution. “It helps a great deal,” she said.

Members of the Rotary Club of Sudbury Sunrisers have volunteered to staff all the kettles across the city for four hours on the first day of kettles, on Friday, Nov. 20.

Last year, Christmas kettles raised $217,000 in Greater Sudbury. Despite the shortage of volunteers, the Salvation Army has set a target of $250,000 this year because the need for services is higher, said VanderHayden.

The funds go to programs such as The Salvation Army’s food bank and Christmas food hampers and toy distribution.

Last year, The Salvation Army Sudbury Community and Family Services helped more than 5,400 people, providing 1,539 households with food, clothing or practical help, assisting 951 households with Christmas food hampers and 1,022 children with toys for Christmas morning.

This year, the food bank has remained open five days a week throughout this pandemic and has seen a significant increase in need, said The Salvation Army, which is now preparing to provide Christmas Hampers and toys to over 1,000 households.

Unfortunately, this past summer, The Salvation Army was forced to close its thrift store on Notre Dame Avenue due to the store’s financial instability. 

The organization is planning other uses for the space formerly occupied by the store, including a family feeding centre and English and French classes for new Canadians, but hasn’t yet been able to get those programs off the ground for safety reasons surrounding the pandemic.

If you’re interested in volunteering your time with the Christmas kettle campaign, phone The Salvation Army at 705-673-5893, ext. 203 or 705-919-1375, or email [email protected]. 

You can also make financial contributions in person or by mail at 634 Notre Dame Ave., Sudbury, ON P3C 5L2.