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Except for Jaime Walsh. Ask him how he felt after spending four cold hours in these same conditions, the Salvation Army ringer will tell you that he could not be happier.
"It's addictive," said Walsh. "It's my season and I'll say it again and again."
Walsh said it was usually Jingle Bells who was playing in his head when he was ringing. Jumping from one foot to the other and trying to stay warm, he said it was easy to brave the Northland's autumn and winter winds when so many people are willing to donate.
"People are very generous to Duluth, incredibly," he said.
Walsh had his father's inspiration to start ringing the bell more than 15 years ago. Calling him "human," Walsh said, observing how his father was charitable, he had no excuse to try to commit to being as helpful as possible.
He started working a couple of seasons. However, the chain that tied him to the sign of the Salvation Army with his red hanging bucket was becoming particularly strong when he was looking for a way to involve more people.
"I have tried to involve other organizations like Moose (Moose Order) and Elk (Benevolent Order and Elk Protector), but that is not the case." "Never really stuck" until about four years ago with the Holy Cross and these people are just – there is just no one who can touch us. "
Jaime and his wife, Diane, have launched a competitive spirit. Not just between them, but between their church and other organizations looking to raise money.
When Jaime persuaded members of the Lutheran Church of St. Croix to join him in his charitable conquest, it took three resounding seasons for his members to access the winners of the Red Kettle Challenge. Over the last three years, they have taken first place among participating organizations, including last year where they spent 240 hours and raised $ 12,395.26.
It was a record of the Salvation Army.
"It's amazing, and we're going ahead and I've explained how we got the $ 12,000." This year, I'm going to be really disappointed if we do not reach ( $ 15,000), "said Jaime Walsh.
This total rarely comes from bills with big numbers. Instead, they come from the gradual decline of a quarter or a folded dollar bill. From time to time, they will see more money approaching as Christmas approaches, and the spirit of generosity will overcome any obstacle that would prevent someone from reaching their portfolio in cold weather.
Jaime personally devotes between 50 and 60 hours to this goal. His wife does even more.
"You go home thinking," You know, I think that's life, "said Diane Walsh." Give it back and it's a great feeling when people say that it's a good thing. Salvation Army helped their family. "
Jaime highlighted a special memory when a man slipped $ 5 into the bucket before telling him that he was homeless and that the Salvation Army had helped him in difficult moments.
"I watched it and I thought I should give you money, are you making fun of me?" Jaime said.
Gains collected between the bell period, which is between November 17 and December 24, are sent to various services. A pamphlet containing the statistics for 2017 indicated that the organization was helping thousands of people, providing emergency assistance to 1,771 people, 22,455 meals in the hot meal program, a quick relocation to 218 people and more. Christmas gifts to 2,383 children.
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