Snowstorm hit Salvation Army’s kettle campaign

Special plea issued to Richmond Hill and Vaughan for teen gifts

Yorkregion.com
Dec. 16, 2014
By Marney Beck

The snowstorm last Thursday inconvenienced lots of schoolchildren and commuters in Richmond Hill, Vaughan and throughout the GTA.

But it also put a dent in the Salvation Army’s Give Hope kettle drive.

"Last week's snowstorm has put our kettle campaign behind, so we are counting on the generosity of the people of Richmond Hill and Vaughan, more than ever, to make a point of stopping to donate when they see one of our kettles," said Major David Pearo, heading up the Salvation Army in Richmond Hill and Vaughan.

Donations were down last Thursday and lower than usual on Friday.

However, Pearo points to many glimmers of hope in the annual campaign to help the less fortunate in both communities.

"We want to thank the many volunteers who have come from the community to help sort the incredible toy donations at The Salvation Army toy centre, located on Yonge Street in Richmond Hill at the old post office on the corner of Yonge and Centre Street.

“Even though toy donations continue to flow in, we are in critical need of gifts for teenagers in the form of gift cards,” he added.

Generous residents have contributed many gifts for babies, toddlers and elementary age children, but to date, there have been few, if any, donations for teenagers between 14 and 18.

The Salvation Army appeals to both the public and businesses of Richmond Hill and Vaughan to help brighten the holiday for older children of disadvantaged families. Gift cards for specific businesses, department stores or malls would be especially appreciated.

In addition to the familiar cheery jingle bells you hear and friendly smiles of the volunteer bell ringers you will see, some donors will see a dog wearing a big red bow and Santa hat at a Salvation Army kettle.

It’s Pearo’s own dog, Mac, who accompanies him and greets generous donations at kettles several times a week.

If you’d like to greet Mac in person, he’ll be at the LCBO at Yonge Street and Crosby Avenue on Dec. 23 and you may see him around town this week.