Prince George, B.C. – Later today, the Salvation Army   in Prince George, will launch it’s annual Christmas Kettle Campaign.

There are a couple of new aspects to the campaign. The  most obvious is the new look of the "kettle" ( shown at right).

It is thought the solid colour kettle will serve two purposes,  first,  if  people can't see how much money is in the kettle the temptation to steal the  kettle  will be reduced.  Secondly,  when people see a  "full" kettle, they are less likely to make a donation.  If they can't see what's in the kettle,  they are more likely to make a donation.

The second  new aspect of the campaign this year,   is  kettle sponsorship.

Companies buy the right to have their  name  displayed as a sponsor of a kettle.  The higher the traffic area for the kettle,  the more expensive the sponsorship.  So far,  there are 13 sponsors.

The  Kettles will be at  15 locations throughout the  City,  Monday through Saturday  from 10 a.m. to  close of business, and  until 4:00  pm on Christmas Eve.

The Salvation  Army in Prince George has been  helping  families and individuals in  the community for 90 years.  Last Christmas, the Salvation Army  helped more than 3000 people  in the  area.

In addition to the Food Bank,  ( which  helps more than 250 households every day)  the Salvation Army also  provides  clothing, furniture and blankets.  Some of the other services include;

• Christmas Cheer Packages,
• Adopt-A-Family,
• Summer Camping Programs,
• Emergency & Disaster Services,
• Clothing and Blankets,
• Addictions Rehabilitation and counselling services.

All of the money raised through the Kettle campaign in this community will be  used to support those services and programs offered in this community.  Last year, the Kettle Campaign raised just over $250 thousand dollars in  Prince George.