By Geoff Smith (@GeoffSmithLNN on Twitter)

Salvation Army confident kettle campaign will catch up

Dec 12, 2017 | 10:55 AM

LETHBRIDGE – Capt. Ben Lippers has faith Lethbridge will come through.

But at last word, the Salvation Army’s Christmas kettle campaign was running around $20,000 behind target for this point in the campaign. The goal is to raise $156,000 for the Salvation Army’s Family Services, which aids around 5,000 people each year.

WATCH: Capt. Ben Lippers gives an overview of services provided throughout the year by the Salvation Army, some of which are funded through the kettle campaign

“One of the top (needs) we’re noticing is, the working poor is having difficulty at times, if something goes wrong, paying utility bills,” Lippers explained. “It could be anything from they needed travel to accommodation.” He added they will also work to refer clients to other agencies that meet specific needs.

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Lippers provided media with a tour of their 2 Ave. S. facility, as he explained the Salvation Army’s other functions, funded separately from the kettle campaign. For example, the Red Shield Appeal covers the cost of an Emergency Disaster Services truck, which provides hot food and drinks in situations like the recent wildfire evacuations in B.C.

Also funded separately is the “Just Like Home” furniture bank, available to Housing First clients. The Salvation Army is also in the midst of collecting toy donations for Christmas.

Lippers isn’t concerned about the kettle campaign falling short. He noted the Salvation Army has been helping people in the Lethbridge community since 1898.

“We have faith, because Lethbridge has always been a very giving community, and we have faith that it will continue to support us, and we will get through that.”