Local Universities Compete in Salvation Army's Online Red Kettle Competition

The Salvation Army of Metro Detroit is teaming up with Michigan colleges and universities for its inaugural Online Red Kettle College Competition. As of Nov. 1, students, staff and alumni of Eastern Michigan University (EMU), University of Michigan Dearborn (UMD), Walsh College and Wayne State University (WSU) can participate in a friendly fundraising competition during the nonprofit’s annual Red Kettle Campaign.

Student-run organizations from each school have created their own Online Red Kettle and are encouraging students, staff, alumni and supporters to donate. Donors can view their school’s fundraising goals and track progress throughout the competition. Online Red Kettles will remain active through Jan. 31, 2014.

EMU, UMD, Walsh and WSU are also reaching out to the next generation of supporters to raise funds through a social giving campaign. By texting a keyword unique to each college or university to 71777, people can donate to The Salvation Army and give hope to those in need across metro Detroit.

The college or university that raises the most money will earn bragging rights as champion of the Online Red Kettle College Competition. The winner will be announced during The Salvation Army’s Red Kettle reveal event in February 2014.

Here’s how fans can support their favorite school during the Online Red Kettle College Competition:

• Eastern Michigan University: www.onlineredkettle.org/EMUPRSSA or text the keyword “EMUGives” to 71777
• University of Michigan Dearborn: http://www.onlineredkettle.org/UMDearbornPRSSA or text “UMDearbornGives” to 71777
• Walsh College: www.onlineredkettle.org/wcm or text “WalshGives” to 71777
• Wayne State University: www.onlineredkettle.org/WSUPRSSA or text “WSUGives” to 71777

“The Online Red Kettle College Competition is a first for The Salvation Army this Christmas giving season,” said Major Mark Anderson, general secretary and metro Detroit area commander for The Salvation Army Eastern Michigan Division. “The allegiance to Michigan colleges and universities is fierce and we’re excited to bring that energy to the 2013 Red Kettle Campaign.”

Salvation Army supporters can create their own virtual red kettle by visiting www.onlineredkettle.org and set personal fundraising goals, customize their web pages and share them via email and through social media sites such as Facebook and Twitter. 

The Online Red Kettle has been a staple in The Salvation Army’s annual Red Kettle fundraising campaign since 2008.