Released 23 March 2006
Hot results during cold days
Every year The Salvation Army sets up Christmas kettles. These allow busy shoppers the opportunity to be part of the true spirit of Christmas and through their donations help the Army help others. Many people have told us “it just doesn’t feel like the Christmas season until I’ve seen the first kettle.” Just as Christmas and kettles seem to go hand-in-hand, so do kettles and Wil Tabor.
Even though Wil is one of the many generous volunteers who helps make the Army’s Christmas kettle campaign in Thunder Bay such a success, he stands out. That is because he literally “stands out” for hours every Christmas season. He stands in the bitter cold at the liquor store; he stands at Wal-Mart braving the crowds of shoppers for hours at a time. Wil’s infectious personality spreads holiday cheer to everyone who passes by. His merry disposition and the fact that his white beard makes him look a lot like Santa Claus, is always a big hit with both children and adults.
The first year Wil volunteered with the Army, his sense of joy and eagerness to help made it obvious that he would be a valued member of the team. In his second year he decided to set a personal goal. He vowed that while he tended the kettles, he would raise $10,000 for The Salvation Army. He not only met the target, he exceeded it by raising over $11,000! Last Christmas Wil decided to raise the bar. His target was $12,000 and once again he topped all expectations and broke $15,000. Wil is such a valued member of the community, and the Army is one of the many organizations touched by his generosity.