Salvation Army began their 2017 Christmas Campaign and Kettle Kick-Off on Saturday.

This year's campaign goal is to raise $215,000 to help the Salvation Army do all of their work for Christmas and supply them with the funds that they need for the food bank and related activities all year round.

Last year's goal was $200,000, a goal that was surpassed as $249,000 was raised.

Major Don Grad said they saw an increase of about 10 per cent of new people coming to the Salvation Army, which is why they are increasing their goal for the year.

"We are seeing many new faces this year, and whether that is a ripple effect coming from the layoffs of two years ago, I don't know," he said. "We've seen some new faces coming in for food hampers over the past year."

Grad said that if people wanted to help this year, there are many ways they can do so.

"There are many ways to help out for our Christmas Campaign," said Grad. "We have the Christmas kettles. People can always donate funds in a cheque or such; people can help with volunteering at the food bank and volunteering with the hamper packing and distribution; people can volunteer with the Christmas dinner that we serve on December 25."

Grad added that people could also help by donating toys to the Miracle Room located in the Mall.

Mayor Denis Perrault cut the ribbon this year to signify the start of the Christmas Campaign.

"It means a lot as a representative in our community," he said. "What we see is an overwhelming amount of support every Christmas season for the Salvation Army and this year I think it will be no different. I think we will see a very strong campaign I think we will see the public step up and contribute and give in ways more than just money they will give in time and they'll give in gifts."