The first Virtual Kettle Match for The Salvation Army of Central Indiana kicked off Dec. 4. Giant Eagle-owned convenience store chain GetGo Cafe +Market has stepped up with a $5,000 matching gift for donations made to the online campaign through Dec. 18. This peer-to-peer campaign has a goal of raising $250,000 to help offset fundraising challenges facing the traditional Red Kettle Campaign, which runs for approximately eight weeks each fall.
The new Virtual Red Kettle Campaign invites the public to take an active role in supporting The Salvation Army by becoming a “Virtual Bell Ringer” and hosting their own virtual Red Kettle. These volunteers can raise funds for their kettles from the comfort and safety of their own homes by sharing the link to their kettle on social media, in email messages to friends and colleagues and on locally-operated websites for churches, service groups and companies. As part of these Virtual Red Kettle Campaign, supporters can set personal fundraising goals and even create Teams where friends and co-workers can take part in a friendly fundraising competition. The public can follow the campaign, sign up for a kettle or team, or make a donation at salarmy.us/virtualkettle.
“With all of the challenges that our community has faced in 2020, we knew we’d have to be creative in order to raise the funds necessary to respond to the increased need,” said Major Marc Johnson, divisional commander for The Salvation Army Indiana Division. “The Virtual Red Kettle Campaign is a great opportunity to keep volunteers engaged and give those people who would normally donate to a physical Red Kettle a chance to still give back to their community in a safe way. It is our hope that GetGo’s generous match will inspire others to share their blessings so that The Salvation Army can continue to help our neighbors in need.”
The annual Red Kettle Campaign has a goal of raising $3.2 million through the iconic Red Kettles located throughout central Indiana. Every donation given to The Salvation Army through the annual Red Kettle Campaign provides help and hope to those in need, and all gifts stay right here in Central Indiana. Visit SalvationArmyIndiana.org/Rescue-Christmas to learn more about how you can help The Salvation Army rescue Christmas this year.
