SOUTHFIELD – The Salvation Army is pumping up its Online Red Kettle with the introduction of a new Facebook application in an effort to engage all audiences in its annual Red Kettle Campaign. The Online Red Kettle allows people to host their own fundraiser for The Salvation Army by making donations online.
“With an increased need of 60 percent, we wanted to pull out all the stops to make it as easy as possible for people of all ages to donate to the Red Kettle Campaign,” said Major John Turner, general secretary for The Salvation Army of Metro Detroit. “The Facebook application is another way to tell your friends and family that you are supporting The Salvation Army.”
The Online Red Kettle is easy to use. Go to sign up for your own virtual kettle. Individuals, businesses or groups interested in helping raise money for those in need can register online. Hosts set personal fundraising goals for their kettles and customize their own kettle Web pages.
Hosts are encouraged to e-mail their friends, family members and co-workers to announce their fundraising efforts and garner donations through The Salvation Army�??s secure Web site. Donors can designate their donation to go to The Salvation Army in their zip code, in the zip code of the kettle host or in the zip code of their choice.
The Facebook application will allow your goal, progress and Online Red Kettle link to appear on your Facebook profile. Once someone makes a donation via Facebook, a notification will show in your newsfeed.
“It’s important for people to know that the Red Kettle giving season doesn’t end with Christmas – it continues through the end of January,” Major Turner said. “And this new online technology allows you to continue supporting The Salvation Army 365 days a year.”
The Salvation Army has recruited local celebrities and community members to help raise awareness of the campaign through their own Online Red Kettles. This includes Detroit Red Wings Head Coach Mike Babcock who is asking Red Wings fans to show via his personal kettle.
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