Donations fall drastically with Salvation Army kettle sites closed during winter storms
Greater Victoria's Salvation Army kettle donation program is in crisis after this week's winter storm cancelled in-person donation sites.
The Salvation Army says donations are down 50 per cent compared to last year in the Capital Regional District just two days before Christmas.
“This weather … is impacting our fundraising in a major way,” says Sipili Molia with the Salvation Army B.C. Division.
“We rely on these funds to support the Christmas Assistance and vital programs throughout the year.”
Across British Columbia, the Salvation Army estimates its annual holiday donation program is down by $2.2 million compared to 2021.
The Christmas Kettle Campaign funds programs to support struggling local individuals and families in times of need. The Salvation Army also funnels donations toward substance abuse recovery programs, housing support and job- and life-skills training.
As the local charity watches the forecast and expects in-person kettle sites may not return on Christmas Eve, it is asking for donations digitally.
To help the Salvation Army Kettle Campaign in Greater Victoria, visit the organization's website.
Shopping Trends
The Shopping Trends team is independent of the journalists at CTV News. We may earn a commission when you use our links to shop. Read about us.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
These food items will continue to be 'volatile' in price next year: report
A new report by more than 30 researchers is estimating how much food will cost in 2024 and how much money it will take to feed families.
Putin moves a step closer to a 5th term as president after Russia sets 2024 election date
Lawmakers in Russia set the country's 2024 presidential election for March 17, moving Vladimir Putin a step closer to a fifth term in office.
Are you pronouncing that right? Most mispronounced words and names in 2023
Some of the words tied to this year's hottest topics were also among the most mangled when it came to saying them aloud
Strikes on Gaza's southern edge sow fear in one of the last areas to which people can flee
Israeli forces struck the southern Gaza town of Rafah twice overnight, residents said Thursday, sowing fear in one of the last places where civilians could seek refuge after Israel widened its offensive against Hamas to areas already packed with displaced people.
Assembly of First Nations assembly continues without electing new national chief
The Assembly of First Nations' special chiefs assembly continues in Ottawa Thursday without a new national chief.
'I'm so broken': Grieving family speaks out after B.C. cancer patient awaiting treatment chooses MAID
A devastated family says long waits for cancer treatment led a beloved father and grandfather to choose medically assisted death 13 days ago.
These are the 5 headlines you should read this morning
A gunman kills three people on a Las Vegas school campus, Pierre Poilievre threatens to delay MPs' holidays and a Saskatchewan veteran receives France's highest order of distinction. Here's what you need to know to start your day.
A Netherlands court sets a sentencing date for a man convicted in Canada of cyberbullying
A court in the Netherlands said Thursday that it would rule in two weeks on the sentence for a man convicted in Canada in a notorious cyberbullying case.
St. John's airport reopens after investigation into suspicious package
The international airport in St. John's, Newfoundland, has been closed following the discovery of a suspicious package.
Vancouver
-
Surrey Police Service chief on transition delays, body-worn cameras, 'cordial' relationship with mayor
If all goes according to plan, by 2026, the only police officers on the streets of B.C.’s fastest-growing city will be members of the Surrey Police Service.
-
Voters deserve referendum on abolishing Vancouver Park Board, critics say
Critics are slamming Mayor Ken Sim's surprise push to abolish the Vancouver Park Board as haphazard and undemocratic, arguing voters deserve to decide the fate of the elected body in a referendum.
-
Victoria woman with broken, cracked teeth pleads for better dental care for seniors
A Vancouver Island woman is speaking out about the state of dental care and coverage for seniors as she struggles with broken, cracked teeth and oral infections.
Edmonton
-
Hyman, McDavid lead Edmonton Oilers to 6-1 rout of Carolina Hurricanes
The Edmonton Oilers are making good on their quest to erase their poor start to the season.
-
Environmentalists pin satirical Fossil of the Day award on Alberta at climate meeting
A global network of environmental groups has given Alberta the rare distinction of being named Fossil of the Day at climate meetings in Dubai.
-
These food items will continue to be 'volatile' in price next year: report
A new report by more than 30 researchers is estimating how much food will cost in 2024 and how much money it will take to feed families.
Toronto
-
'We're still together': Family, friends testify in defence of Toronto mother, once convicted of killing disabled daughter
Taking the stand for a second time in her life, Amanda Ali rejected prosecutor’s suggestions that her mother smothered her disabled teenage sister in an act of mercy at their Scarborough townhouse in 2011, instead detailing a childhood and home life filled with love.
-
Information of hundreds of drivers trafficked in auto-theft ring involving ServiceOntario employees: police
Toronto police say the information of hundreds of drivers in the province was trafficked to suspects allegedly running an auto-theft ring involving employees at ServiceOntario.
-
Want some Kraft Dinner? Boxes now have smaller portions but at the same price
It's a Canadian staple in many households, but if you want to mix up some Kraft Dinner tonight, you may have less "KD" in the box than you did before.
Calgary
-
Heavy snowfall expected to continue in Calgary
After enjoying a month of above seasonal temperatures, residents in Calgary are being reminded of winter and all the cold temperatures and slippery roads that come with it.
-
Toddler in 'potentially life-threatening' condition following N.E. Calgary crash
A toddler was seriously injured during a collision in northeast Calgary on Wednesday afternoon. Two pedestrians, the child and an adult, were taken to hospital following the crash at the intersection of Whitehorn Drive and 36 Street N.E. Police believe a bus and the car collided and subsequently hit the child and adult.
-
Environmentalists pin satirical Fossil of the Day award on Alberta at climate meeting
A global network of environmental groups has given Alberta the rare distinction of being named Fossil of the Day at climate meetings in Dubai.
Montreal
-
Teachers' union FAE to submit new counter-offer to Quebec government
Quebec teachers’ union the Fédération autonome de l'enseignement (FAE) will soon be tabling a counter-offer to the government in a bid to break the deadlock in negotiations over the next round of collective agreements.
-
Montreal police, SQ carry out raids hoping to solve killings linked to organized crime
Montreal police and Quebec provincial police are conducting six raids this morning in an effort to solve several homicides linked to organized crime dating back from the mid-90s to today.
-
Public sector negotiations: Common Front rejects Quebec's latest offer
Quebec's Common Front of public sector unions has rejected the government's latest offer. The strike planned for Dec. 8 to 14 will go on as planned.
Atlantic
-
Public Safety Minister terminates state of emergency order in St. Stephen
Minister Kris Austin says the concerns expressed by St. Stephen, N.B., are serious, but do not garner the local state of emergency act.
-
These food items will continue to be 'volatile' in price next year: report
A new report by more than 30 researchers is estimating how much food will cost in 2024 and how much money it will take to feed families.
-
St. John's airport reopens after investigation into suspicious package
The international airport in St. John's, Newfoundland, has been closed following the discovery of a suspicious package.
Winnipeg
-
Winnipeg police investigating death of infant
Winnipeg Police are investigating the death of an infant Monday night.
-
Bills to commemorate Orange Shirt Day and Louis Riel pass final vote in Manitoba
A bill to make Orange Shirt day a statutory holiday in Manitoba has passed its final vote in the legislature.
-
Hookah lounge owner worried as city eyes possible ban
A Winnipeg hookah lounge owner is worried about a potential ban they say could put them out of business.
Kitchener
-
Canadian family of four will pay $700 more for food in 2024, says report
Grocery prices will continue to climb in 2024, but not as steeply as they did over the past two years, a new report predicts.
-
Renowned scholar, with ties to Waterloo, Ont. university, reportedly killed with his family in Gaza
Sofyan Taya, a former guest scholar at the University of Waterloo in Ontario, was reportedly killed in an Israeli airstrike near Gaza City. His friend and former colleague called him a brilliant and gentle soul.
-
Kitten stolen from Waterloo, Ont. pet store has been found
The 12-week-old kitten, who was stolen from a Waterloo, Ont. pet store, is now in the care of a local cat rescue.
Regina
-
Sask. mother who lost daughter calls on government to investigate tragic death
A Saskatchewan mother who lost her daughter in 2022 joined MLAs in the legislature on Wednesday calling for the government to follow through on their promise of an investigation.
-
Sask. Second World War veteran honoured with France's highest order of distinction
Jim Spenst, 97, is the most recent Canadian to officially receive France's highest order of distinction: the insignia of Knight of the French National Order of the Legion of Honour.
-
AIMS system may cost $240M, report on troubled development needed: auditor's report
The troubled production of a new IT system for Saskatchewan hospitals is now projected to cost around three times its original budget at $240 million, according to the provincial auditor.
Barrie
-
Barrie council passes city's portion of the 2024 budget
Water, sewage and infrasture rates increased as city council tried to measure increases against savings in council chambers Wednesday.
-
Expect police presence in Bognor Marsh in Meaford as they search for missing man
Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) received a report on Wednesday that Jason, 38, was last seen on Saturday in Peel Region.
-
Wasaga Beach man busted for drug trafficking
Multi-disciplined police forces executed a search warrant at a residence on Mosley Street in Wasaga Beach.
Saskatoon
-
'You want him, not me': Final messages between Sask. Mountie and his wife read in murder trial
On Wednesday, an expert witness walked the court through messages suggesting a love triangle between a former Saskatchewan Mountie, his wife, and the man he’s accused of killing.
-
'Don’t give up': Blind Sask. hockey fan eyes future calling games
A 10-year old boy from Martensville is a big hockey fan despite a severe congenital vision impairment.
-
Saskatoon planning new cycling corridors on low-traffic roads
Speed limits on some Saskatoon roads could be reduced to accommodate cycling infrastructure.
Northern Ontario
-
Information of hundreds of drivers trafficked in auto-theft ring involving ServiceOntario employees: police
Toronto police say the information of hundreds of drivers in the province was trafficked to suspects allegedly running an auto-theft ring involving employees at ServiceOntario.
-
These food items will continue to be 'volatile' in price next year: report
A new report by more than 30 researchers is estimating how much food will cost in 2024 and how much money it will take to feed families.
-
Driver ticketed for hauling trailer with dolly strapped to in place of wheel
A provincial police officer with a keen eye conducted a traffic stop after spotting a vehicle featuring a rather unconventional "quick fix" in Penetanguishene.
