A brass band, a hearty spread and the Salvation Army’s iconic red kettle greeted about 150 people at the Caboto Club for the Salvation Army’s annual advisory board luncheon Monday afternoon.
The luncheon also marked the kickoff of the Salvation Army’s kettle campaign, with volunteers set to ring bells and collect cash at 18 locations across the city. Members of the Rotary Club of Windsor (1918) were on hand to celebrate the long-standing partnership between the two charities, with many Rotarians volunteering to man kettles throughout the holiday season.
Kaysandra Curtis, president of the Rotary Club of Windsor (1918), said the partnership was a natural, since the two organizations share similar goals of serving the community and helping the needy.
“It makes everyone feel the spirit of peace and service,” Curtis said. ”We’ve always done it, and we’ll continue to do it for many years to come.”
Perron S. Goodyear, a spokesman for the Salvation Army, also spoke to the traditional roots of the campaign. “Many people associate Christmas kettles with knowing it’s Christmas time,” he said.
The Salvation Army has set a target of $250,000 for the regional campaign. Funds go to support the charity’s Christmas hamper program, its soup kitchen and its family program.
“The need continues to grow, so we’re encouraging people to give what they can,” Goodyear said.
Gerry Pocock, chair for the Salvation Army Community Advisory Board for Windsor, attends the 2012 Advisory Board Luncheon which featured the kick-off to the annual Christmas Kettle Campaign, at the Caboto Club, Monday, Nov. 19, 2012. (DAX MELMER/The Windsor Star)
People attend the Salvation Army and Rotary Club of Windsor (1918) 2012 Advisory Board Luncheon at the Caboto Club, Monday, Nov. 19, 2012. (DAX MELMER/The Windsor Star)
