Two steal Salvation Army kettle and make a run for it

Thieves who ran off with a Salvation Army Christmas kettle are likely to be disappointed.

"It was pretty low-key, really. Whoever took the kettle picked the worst day to do it. The kettle itself is probably worth more than what was in it," said Major Sean Furey, Corps Officer.

He estimates there was roughly $200 in the kettle, not a major detriment to the organization but still disappointing for the charity, which uses the money to help those who live in poverty.

The theft occurred around 6:45 p.m this Thursday, when a male and a female approached the Salvation Army member attending the Christmas kettle in the Station Mall.

According to volunteers, the female drew the attendant's attention away from the kettle while the male unhooked the kettle and made a run for it.

The attendant then chased the person from the old Sears location of the Station Mall north to Wellington St., where he was last seen running away between two homes.

Police have been notified of the incident.

Furey also cited the unfortunate reality that, while this isn't something that the local Salvation Army has had to deal with in the last ten years, thefts from charity and non-profit donation boxes do happen in our community.

Constable Sonny Spina from the Sault Police Service said thefts most commonly take place at convenience stores from donation boxes at the cashier counters.

"Although this is rare and doesn't happen often in our community, it is important for us to be aware of situations like this and for our police service to work with our community members so that we can ensure that the most vulnerable people in our community are not further victimized."