The Salvation Army has officially kicked off its 2021 Christmas Kettle Campaign, the funds from which will go toward what they say is an increased need in the community.

The organization has officially set a goal of $800,000 province-wide by Christmas Eve.

Major Rene Loveless of the Salvation Army explains that the funds will go towards assistance programs to help with food and toys over the holidays, as well as other needs that may arise over the course of the year.

He says many of their programs have seen “significant” increases. For example, they have seen a 20 per cent increase in the number of people needing food, many of them with younger and smaller families.