Support the cause!

Given the current pandemic situation due to Covid-19 and as times are challenging to come together as community, we have joined the cause to support the "Red Kettle Challenge", an online fundraiser by the Salvation Army, that will benefit thousands of individuals and families experiencing homelessness in Miami. Join us by donating, purchasing tickets and learn more about this amazing cause. #challengeaccepted

the Tixs Team

What is the Salvation Army & the Red Kettle Challenge Campaign?

The Salvation Army is one of the world’s largest and oldest providers of social services. Originally established in London in 1865, it has been helping people for more than 150 years internationally, for more than 135 years in the United States and in Miami, FL for 106 years. Most people recognize The Salvation Army for its annual Red Kettle Campaign during the holiday season. The iconic tradition started in December 1891 as a resolution to provide a free Christmas dinner to the poor in San Francisco. The 130-year-old fundraiser has help The Salvation Army provide hope for the most vulnerable through services directly targeting the needs of local communities – from homelessness, hunger, and Christmas assistance to disaster relief and education programs. Based on the increase in services already provided in response to the pandemic, the organization could serve up to 155 percent more people in 2020 with Christmas assistance, including putting food on the table, paying bills, providing shelter and helping place gifts under the tree – assuming the resources are available. In Miami, FL we served 1,080 people last year with shelter alone. At the same time, due to the closing of retail stores, consumers carrying less cash and coins, and the decline in foot traffic, The Salvation Army could see up to a 50 percent decrease in funds raised nationally through the red kettles, which would limit their capability to provide services for those in need. To put this in perspective, last year $126 million was raised nationally through about 30,000 red kettles, $130,316.70 of that was raised in Miami, FL. With more people facing hardship this year, the need to serve those most vulnerable is greater than ever this is why we are asking our community partners to take the Red Kettle Challenge.

What is the Red Kettle Challenge?

The Red Kettle Challenge offers a new twist to the traditional red kettles seen at Christmas to raise funds to help the needy during the holidays. You will still see bell ringers and the kettles at area store fronts and retail locations raising funds. New this year, we are issuing the Red Kettle Challenge in our community! We want individuals, companies, schools and churches to accept the challenge of having their own Red Kettle and Bell – then make plans to raise $1000 with their kettle.

Why $1000?

All of the funds from the Red Kettle Challenge are going directly to helping individuals and families experiencing homelessness or on the verge of homelessness to have support through our shelter and rapid re-housing program. For $1000 you can provide up to one month of housing and food for a single man or woman experiencing homelessness in our community. Through our supportive programs, these individuals are actively working their way out of homelessness and into stable housing. Individuals like Theresa* who was living in an unsafe situation in March 2018. She came to our family emergency shelter and started a job search. She found 3 jobs working at a fast food restaurant, hotel, and grocery store. Within 3 months she was able to move into her own apartment, move into a management role at the hotel, and she no longer works 3 jobs. She continues to work with a Salvation Army Financial Coach so she can save $300 in 6 months starting with only $1.

When?

Red Kettle Challengers can participate between October 12 – December 31. Some people may only have their kettle for a few days or a week and reach the goal while others may commit to raising all they can until the end.

For more information contact

Genevieve Lalanne, PR Manager
786-618-0217
genevieve.lalanne@uss.salvationarmy.org