The Salvation Army Christmas Kettle campaign bells have started ringing at the Walmart stores in West Kelowna and Kelowna.
Last Christmas, The Salvation Army in the Central Okanagan distributed more than 500 Christmas food hampers and brought toy joy to 900 children through the toy program.
This is in addition to the regular assistance given each and every day through their Community Life Centre office.
“Each year, the needs just seem to grow” said pastor Darryl Burry, executive director for The Salvation Army in the Central Okanagan.
“There are a lot of hurting people in our community—people who struggle financially to make it through the day —wondering if they will pay their rent/mortgage, or put food on the table for their family.
“These are very real concerns for many families right here in the Central Okanagan.”
The Salvation Army’s year-round assistance to families of emergency food, clothing, furniture and other provisions continues to rise.
“The needs are great, and we do not see any sign of it slowing down in the near future,”said Burry. “The funds that are raised during our Christmas Kettle Campaign allow us to continue to support our local community at Christmas and throughout the year.”
In addition this year The Salvation Army supported the Okanagan communities and firefighting teams that were impacted by the fires making the need that much greater.
All donations collected through the Christmas campaign stay local to support local programs.
The kettle campaigns success is dependent on the army of volunteers that rock and ring the bells, taking a two-hour shift from now through Dec. 24 at business locations throughout Kelowna and West Kelowna.
Burry says for some the kettle campaign has become a holiday tradition, for others a challenge. But with 5,000 kettle hours to fill, Burry says this is a perfect opportunity to give hope to others for Christmas.
To sign up , visit kelownasalvationarmy.ca, email kettles@kelsa.ca or call 250-860-2329, ext. 324
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With Christmas only five weeks away, The Salvation Army is booking appointments for those requiring assistance from their annual Food and Toy Program.
In 2014, 500 families were provided with food to celebrate on Christmas Day, as well as toys/gifts for each child in the home 18 years of age and under.
“We could not provide this blessing without the tremendous support of the community,” said pastor Darryl Burry, executive director for The Salvation Army in the Central Okanagan.
“From financial donations to the donation of food product and new toys, each contribution helps us to provide hope and dignity to families’ right here in our community during the Christmas season.”
For families (two or more in the same household) who will require assistance this Christmas season, The Salvation Army is currently scheduling appointments between now and Nov. 27 at the Community Life Centre, located at 200 Rutland Rd. South.
“We desire to ensure that no one falls through the cracks during this special season of love and giving, however, in order to meet the demands placed upon us, we would respectfully ask that all families set up an appointment to register as soon as possible,” said Burry.
To book a registration interview, please call 250-765-3450 and press option 4
