Thunder Bay charities launch holiday fundraising drives

The lead-up to Christmas has sent numerous Thunder Bay charities into fundraising drives.

The Salvation Army's Rob Kerr says they’ve set a target of $175,000 this year for their kettle campaign — $5,000 more than last year.

“This is part of what we need for our operating costs for the year, so we set a goal that we realize we can probably attain and we base our budgeting on that for the year,” he said.

Thunder Bay’s Christmas Cheer drive kicks off tomorrow.

Other charities competing for donations include the Toys for Tots campaign, the Regional Food Distribution Association, and the United Way.    

Campaigns at this time of year are crucial for many of these charities to operate.

Kerr said the annual drive is responsible for a significant part of the budget.

“It's always something that we need, it's fundamental to what we try to do, and without it we wouldn't be able to do some of the things that we're doing.”

The Thunder Bay firefighters Toys For Tots chair Paul Penna said they don't set a hard target, but always try to bring in more money than the previous year.

“We have over three thousand kids that are going to get gifts this year, but it's hard to predict, so it's hard to set a goal and say 'this is what we want’,” he said.

“I think it's easier to say 'let's do as good as we did last year, hopefully a little better’.”

The Regional Food Distribution Association hopes to raise $90,000 by year's end — plus another $50,000 for its holiday hamper program.

Executive director Volker Kromm said it can be a struggle to get donations.

“It's no secret that, in the charitable world, it's very competitive, everyone has a legitimate cause.”

It can also be a struggle to get enough volunteers.

“If we don't have volunteers, then the kettles aren't out,” Kerr said.

“And if the kettles aren't out then people can't make a donation."

Penna agreed saying the biggest challenge is finding enough volunteers to run the booth, and be involved in other events.