The final numbers are in and the results look good.
The Salvation Army's Christmas Kettle and mail out campaign roared to a conclusion this past week more than $7,000 past the goal.
Major Len Millar said the ambitious target of $63,000 was set just prior to the Christmas season's start, based on the hopes of collecting $18,000 at the Christmas Kettle stations and a further $45,000 through the annual mail-out effort.
"I'm pleased to report that our total came in at $70,092.68," said Millar.
Those taking care of the kettles this year must have done a very good job since the collection of $24,190.74 far exceeded the goal.
The mail-out campaign was a bit closer to the mark, but still in excess of the target with a final collection of $45,901.98.
The kettles, which were set up in strategic locations such as local department and grocery stores, were staffed by a series of volunteers who put in over 500 hours on behalf of the Salvation Army, said Millar.
"My figures show that 77 per cent of those volunteer hours came from community groups and individuals, not the Salvation Army team," he said. "So we are very grateful."
The local community also didn't forget the local food bank that is operated by the Salvation Army. Millar said a total of 3,095 pounds of food were donated over the Christmas season, including the donations made during the CP Holiday Train visit on Dec. 17.
The funds raised through the kettle and mail-out campaigns are used for local community projects operated and managed by the Salvation Army throughout the year.
