The Salvation Army in Red Deer has exceeded its fundraising goal for the holiday season.

The organization set out to raise $175,000 in its Christmas kettle campaign and after the coins were counted, a total of $181,000 was raised.

“It is with thanks to the community of Red Deer that we are able to announce that this year we exceeded our goal,” said Captain Jason Sabourin of The Salvation Army. “This campaign is a significant fundraiser for The Salvation Army. The assistance and support that we are able to provide to those who come to us for assistance would not be possible without the generosity of so many in Red Deer and surrounding area.”

The money raised from the campaign stays in Red Deer and is put towards the Salvation Army’s operating budget and programming.

“This is our main fundraiser for the year,” said Sabourin.

The kettle campaign began on Nov. 19 and ran until Dec. 23.

“We had raised $140,000 going into the last four days of the campaign,” said Sabourin. “We brought $40,000 in during the last leg of the campaign. It was amazing.

“I am surprised that we were able to raise $6,000 over our goal.”

The Salvation Army is the largest non-governmental direct provider of social services in Canada. The organization offers practical assistance for children and families, often tending to the basic necessities of life, providing shelter for homeless people and rehabilitation for people who have lost control of their lives to an addiction.

efawcett@reddeerexpress.com