Legion thanked for Christmas Kettles help

Legion Area Chairman Lorne Pulz, Captain Raelene Russell, 
Mike Killoran
C. Davis photo

Chris Davis, Pincher Creek Voice

Salvation Army Captain Raelene Russell made a special trip from Lethbridge on Friday evening January 4 to thank members of Pincher Creek Royal Canadian Legion #43 for their support of the annual Salvation Army Christmas Kettle Fund.  Legion members manned the local kettle under the direction of Legion member Mike Killoran.

Captain Russell is the Salvation Army representative responsible for coordinating kettles from their Lethbridge site.

"Mike did all the scheduling and commandeering of volunteers," she said.  "I also want to thank each of you for the time that you've given."

"This year (2012) you raised $4597.03, which is remarkable."

Captain Russell said that amount was almost a  $400 increase over the total raised in 2011.

"The funds that are raised go to help families throughout southern Alberta, and so thank you so very much for the time that you've given to be able to raise money so that we can do what we do."

"We've recently acquired a community services vehicle," she said.  "It's called a Community Response Unit.  It's a mobile kitchen.  Some of the funds that we raised through the Christmas Kettle campaign will support that as well, which means that if there's a disaster anywhere in southern Alberta our mobile canteen is a kitchen on wheels and it's able to go anywhere.  Our desire with that is to serve, first and foremost, First Responders.  Because it's a self contained unit you can park in the middle of a field, use the generator, use the propane, and make sure the First Responders have a hot meal and a place to come so they can get a bit of a break while they're dealing with the front lines.  It also can be used at reception centres if there are individuals who get evacuated and need somewhere to come."