There would be no City of Belleville, no real community without its volunteers. That was the main message from several speakers at the Belleville Salvation Army’s annual Christmas Kettle Campaign dinner tonight (Wednesday).
And there was a lot to celebrate. This season’s campaign was tremendously successful, surpassing a goal of $300,000 by over $13,000 and around 200 people filled the Salvation Army’s church on Bridge Street West.
Debbie Scott, the dinner’s MC and the Volunteer and Campaign Coordinator for the Salvation Army couldn’t thank the campaign’s over 300 volunteers enough.
“If we had to pay our kettle volunteers and pay mileage and other things it would cost us around $60,000. Instead that money is buying food and paying for services for the needy in our community,” said Scott.
Quinte News and CJBQ, MIX97, and ROCK107 radio came in for some praise when the campaign suddenly found itself around 25 volunteers short to supervise the kettles.
“I called Quinte News and the radio stations and within an hour I had all the volunteers I needed”, exclaimed Scott.
Representing the city was councillor Garnet Thompson who offered gratitude for not only the volunteers with the Salvation Army but for the many who volunteer in countless other worthy organizations. “You make Belleville a great city”.
Councillors Kelly McCaw and Pat Culhane received kudos for splitting the cost of a coin counting/sorting machine and giving it to the Army. That, of course, saved hours of painstaking work for staff and volunteers.
The Army’s Area Commander, Major Tina Rideout was on hand and first delivered heartfelt thanks to Debbie Scott for her tireless efforts on behalf of the Kettle Campaign, calling her a “very organized lady.” Scott received a standing ovation from the crowd.
Major Rideout said the Kettle Campaign would not exist without volunteers and “without the campaign there wouldn’t be enough money to heal the the wounded, to feed the hungry, comfort the grieving and frightened, and without this money so many fewer dear friends would feel hope.”
Several awards were given out at the dinner. Some of them are highlighted in the photos below.
Wayne Storms and Jen Courtney received Spirit Awards for going above and beyond the call of duty. (Photo: John Spitters/Quinte News)
Joe Legett represented Belleville Nissan which received the Community Spirit Award. To his left is the Salvation Army’s Volunteer and Campaign Coordinator Debbie Scott and to his right is Director of Community and Family Services Connie Goodsell. (Photo: John Spitters/Quinte News)
The Individual Bell Ringer Award went to Barry Day. Barry put in a herculean 246 hours on a kettle this season. (Photo: John Spitters/Quinte News)
Representing the Trillium 2000 Seniors Club is Suzanne Cabel. The club won the Team Bell Ringer Award after raising an impressive $25,432.10 at its kettle located at Belleville’s Metro store. (Photo: John Spitters/Quinte News)
