The Salvation Army launched its annual Christmas Kettle Campaign this morning at the Avalon Mall in St. John’s.

It’s the Salvation Army’s largest public fundraiser of the year and that’s reflected in this year’s goal to bring in $700,000 from kettles across the province.

Major Rene Loveless was blunt in acknowledging, like so many others, that this has been a year like no other when it comes to the challenge of meeting the increasing need that the kettle campaign fulfills.

To that end, Loveless is making an appeal for more volunteers, putting out the call to anyone who can not just spare some cash, but also the time to man the various kettles set up island-wide.

It will also be easier and safer to donate this year as debit machines will be on hand to tap your donation on the spot, as well as an online option through the Salvation Army’s website.