The Salvation Army has officially started its Christmas kettle fundraising campaign with a new twist.
The classic fundraising kettles that have been seen for years are now flanked by a credit/debit tap device so donors can use their debit cards, credit cards or phones to donate, instead of cash.
The new technology on the kettles allows people to use their phones, debit cards or credit cards to make a $5 donation instead of using cash. (Photo: Ryan Peddigrew/Quinte News)
Members from the Boyer Auto Group gathered Wednesday afternoon at Belleville Nissan to help officially kick off the fundraising campaign. Belleville Mayor Mitch Panciuk was in attendance to make the first donation via tap.
Dustin Boyer, general manager at Belleville Nissan, says Boyer Auto Group Belleville has committed to matching in-store donations up to $20,000. As of Wednesday, donations have reached approximately $13,000. This is the fourth year there has been a kettle at Nissan but this year there will be kettle donation stations at all Boyer Auto Group locations in Belleville, including Bay Subaru, Bay Mazda and Boyer Kia.
Last year’s Christmas kettle campaign totalled over $300,000. This year the goal is $210,000 in Belleville, where there will be 25 kettles, and $10,000 in Tweed where there will be three. The kettles will be around through Christmas eve.
Money raised by the campaign goes towards local programs that assist people in need including the homeless, young parents, youth and seniors as well as the local Salvation Army meal program. According to the Salvation Army, the need for its services have doubled since April amid the COVID-19 pandemic.
Donations can be made here.
