Bradford Lions and Town of BWG host friendly competition in support of Salvation Army

'Bradford is such a giving town'

Bradfordtoday.ca
November 18, 2019
Miriam King

Once again, the Bradford Lions Cllub has issued a challenge to the Town of BWG and its employees: to come out and volunteer in support of the Salvation Army’s Christmas Kettle Campaign in Bradford West Gwillimbury.

The Christmas Kettle Campaign is the Salvation Army’s biggest, highest-profile fundraiser over the course of the year -- raising money to provide assistance and support to an estimated 1.9 million Canadians.

Donations provide Christmas cheer, but also day-to-day shelter, clothing, food and other programs for Canadians at risk, with funds raised in a community staying in the community to help local people in need.

The Bradford Lions issued the challenge to the town last year, to see which organization could fill more time slots, at the two locations where the Christmas Kettles were set up -- the local LCBO store, and Walmart.

This year, the Salvation Army is adding a third location in Bradford -- Zehrs Market, on Holland St. West -- and will need more volunteers than ever, not only Lions and town employee, but residents.

Nancy Harrison, Community & Public Relations for the Salvation Army Central York Region, was in Bradford early on Friday morning, meeting with Mayor Rob Keffer and challenge organizer, Lion Kathy Howitt at the Mayor’s office to launch the Christmas Kettle campaign.

“Bradford has been so amazing,” Harrison said. “Because of Bradford West Gwillimbury, the town of Newmarket, Aurora and East Gwillimbury came on board, with similar campaigns.”

Mayor Keffer gave credit to Town of BWG Chief Administrative Officer Geoff McKnight, who has encouraged staff to pick up the challenge and volunteer their time.

“Bradford is such a giving town,” said Harrison.

For more information, or to volunteer for the Kettle Campaign, contact Howitt, who is co-ordinating the schedules, at 905-960-2041 or email howittkathy@gmail.com.