The Salvation Army is ringing in its 2019 Christmas Kettle Campaign.
Hundreds gathered at the Caboto Club for the annual Combined Rotary Hope in the City Luncheon Thursday. Around 30 kettle stations will attempt to reach this year's goal of $315,000 by Christmas Eve.
Spokesperson Shannon Wise tells CTV Windsor it's the Salvation Army's only annual fundraiser.
"It sustains us all year round. It helps us offer food, clothing and shelter to the most vulnerable people in our city, so it's vital," she says. "Anywhere from 200 to 300 people per night for community meals, so this is a fantastic way that we can raise money to be able to do that and to be able to offer those meals all year round."
Wise encourages anyone who wants to put in a kettle shift to reach out.
"We know we can't reach our goal without our generous volunteers, as well as those opening up their wallets, so thank you to everybody involved," she added.
Windsor born social worker Rosita Hall was the keynote speaker at this year's luncheon.
The Salvation Army Kettle Drive raised $325,000 over the holidays in 2018.
— with files from CTV Windsor's Angelo Aversa.