The Salvation Army is using new, pandemic-friendly options for their annual Christmas Kettles Campaign to help Manitobans help others safely this holiday season.

A new digital, touchless option will allow people across Canada to donate safely to the campaign.

To donate, Canadians can simply "tap to give" using any credit card or smartphone.

Kettles across the province will be equipped with the new wireless technology.

"This has been a year like no other. The need is great – but the opportunities are even greater," says Salvation Army Prairie Division spokesperson Jamie Rands.

"As life became more challenging this year for so many people, this new technology for our 2020 Christmas Kettle Campaign will help us continue to operate our life-changing programs."

Since COVID-19 began to impact Canadians in March, many businesses and individuals have reduced their use of cash in favour of contactless payment options.

In keeping with this trend, Canadians looking to give at the kettles this year will see a re-set amount to donate five dollars at a time, with the option to tap their device or card up to 10 times on the same kettle to increase their donation.

The Salvation Army has a goal to raise $385,000 in donations in Winnipeg, $1.68 million in the prairies, and $23,000,000 across Canada through the Christmas Kettles this year.

In areas where kettles are not available, Canadians can donate to the annual giving campaign online through the Salvation Army.