REALTOR® Ring Day is largest state volunteer effort in Salvation Army history

If you come across a Salvation Army kettle on Friday, December 9, the person ringing the bell is likely a Minnesota REALTOR®. This year, nearly 100,000 REALTORS® will be taking part in REALTOR® Ring Day in nine states, including Minnesota.

As part of REALTOR® Ring Day, REALTORS® will be bell ringing at hundreds of kettle locations in the Twin Cities and Greater Minnesota. About 175 REALTORS® are scheduled to bell ring in the Twin Cities. Another 65 REALTORS® will be at the famous red kettles in 14 Minnesota cities, including Albert Lea, Austin, Brainerd, Cloquet, Duluth, Fairmont, Fergus Falls, Hibbing, International Falls, Mankato, Rochester, St. Cloud, Virginia and Willmar. The volunteers have a goal of 1,500 hours of bell ringing.

“Last year’s Realtor® Ring Day helped raise nearly $190,000 worth of kettle donations in Minnesota and was one of the largest single-day volunteer efforts in Salvation Army history,” said Lt. Col. Daniel Sjögren, Commander of The Salvation Army Northern Division. “This year’s event is going to be bigger and better thanks to the giving spirit of REALTORS® locally and nationwide. Because of their efforts, The Salvation Army can shelter more people in need.”

REALTOR® Ring Day was created in Minnesota and North Dakota to give real estate professionals an opportunity to support a cause that is dear to them: housing. Kettle donations support The Salvation Army’s 50 emergency, temporary and permanent housing operations. Across the country, The Salvation Army provides nearly 10 million nights of shelter per year.

The Minnesota Association of REALTORS® is the largest professional trade association in the state with almost 18,000 members who are active in all aspects of the real estate industry.

The Salvation Army Northern Division has been serving Minnesota and North Dakota communities since 1886. To volunteer with The Salvation Army or to make a donation, call 651-746-3400 or toll free at 800-SAL-ARMY. For more information or to make an online donation, please visit www.thesalarmy.org.