The Salvation Army launched their annual Christmas Kettle Campaign yesterday with ten kettles set up across Red Deer.  

Money raised will go towards various programs including one that was started two years ago, and provides meals to children on the weekends. That one program alone costs $75,000 a year to operate.  

Red Deer Salvation Army Corps Officer, Major Larry Bridger said this year’s target is $220,000.

“We’ve noted an increase in our numbers throughout the year. We’ve seen an increase of about 25 to 30 per cent in clientele coming for help this year.”

Bridger added right now an estimated 300 volunteers are needed to help out with the campaign.

“At each location we do eight hours per day and we schedule two hour shifts, that’s 40 shifts per day. If people have a couple of hours, even if it’s only one shift they can do, they can call our office and help us out.”