The Salvation Army will no longer have volunteers at their Christmas Kettle locations across Alberta as part of new safety protocols to deal with COVID-19.
The Kettles will remain in those locations only where permitted and outfitted with an electronic donation option as well as signage to donate online, by phone, or via text message. The last day for volunteers will be Saturday, December 12th.
“Since the beginning of our campaign this year, the safety of our volunteers and donors has always been our first priority,” says Major Al Hoeft, Divisional Secretary for Public Relations. “In response to the increasing cases and the recent safety protections by the province and AHS, we will no longer have volunteers ringing the bells at our Kettles in Alberta.”
The Salvation Army has been serving Albertans since 1887, and to potentially lose Kettle donations will greatly impact the programs and services that The Salvation Army provides, not just at Christmas, but all year. Kettle donations stay local to fund programs such as food bank services, hot meals, Christmas food & toy hampers, job search programs, counselling, ESL classes, back-to-school supplies, and much more.

“We have many options this year for people to donate to our Christmas Kettle Campaign safely,” says Major Hoeft. “Every Kettle donation makes it possible to change someone’s life.”

Captain Ben Lippers of the Drumheller Salvation Army tells the Mail, there is a QR Code hanging at the locations of the kettles, and those wishing to donate can scan the code with their smartphone, which will take them to FillTheKettle.com. There, residents can specify their donation to the Drumheller Salvation Army by selecting the community.

Other options to donate include:

Tiptap touchless donation at the Kettles (where permitted), $5 each tap, up to 10 times
By phone at 1-800-SAL-ARMY or online at FIllTheKettle.com
Mail your donation to The Salvation Army, 200-5615 101 Avenue Edmonton, AB T6A 3Z7

The Salvation Army is an international Christian organization that began its work in Canada in 1882 and has grown to become the largest non-governmental direct provider of social services in the country. The Salvation Army gives hope and support to vulnerable people in 400 communities across Canada and 131 countries around the world. The Salvation Army offers practical assistance for children and families, often tending to the necessities of life. When you give to The Salvation Army, you are investing in the future of marginalized and vulnerable people in your community.

Update: December 11, 8 p.m.

The incident in Newcastle has been resolved without incident and police would like to thank the public for their cooperation.

Drumheller RCMP along with the Emergency Response Team and Police Dog Services have taken one man into custody. The suspect is facing several charges including multiple firearms related offences, possession of stolen property, uttering threats and mischief. He is currently being held for bail hearing

December  11, 4:45 p.m.

RCMP are on scene of an incident on Second Avenue West (Newcastle).

There is a heavy police presence and both the Drumheller RCMP and Police Dog Services are on scene.

Residents in the area are asked to remain indoors and the public is asked to stay away from the area. RCMP is asking that their activity not be broadcasted on social media.

An update will be provided when available and the public/media are thanked for the cooperation in avoiding the area.