Ontario Red Kettle Challenge raises record $11,000 | Community Service

A record amount of money was raised during this year's Ontario Red Kettle Challenge.

More than $11,000.00 in donations was collected with more than 250 people participating The winner and results were announced last night at a reception attended by participants and town officials. Ontario Girl Scout Troop 377 was named the winner of the competition.

BSA Troop 127 started the challenge in 2007 to increase participating in the Salvation Army campaign. Before the competition was started, the Red Kettle donations totaled about $1,000. Since than, a new record has been set each season.

More than 27 community groups participated in the competition, ringing the bell for a total of 158.5 hours over the course of 30 days at the Tops Market on Furnace Road in Ontario. The winner of the challenge is determined based on the number of people participating and their spirit and enthusiasm. The amount of money raised by the individual groups is not a factor in determining the winner. This year’s judge was Michael Pullen, principal of James A. Beneway High School.

Girl Scout Troop 377 had been ringing the bell for the Salvation Army before the challenge started and was one of the first teams to join the competition. Karen Reiber and Bobbi Sue Hasenauer, co-leaders of the troop, were presented with the trophy which they will keep in their possession until next year’s competition. The winners’ names are engraved on the trophy.

The participating groups included seven scout organizations, three local churches, four family groups, three businesses and other community organizations.