The annual Salvation Army Christmas Kettle Campaign officially kicked off in the central Okanagan on Thursday morning.
‘Our kettles are out in about 20 different locations all throughout the central Okanagan starting today,” Lt. Darryl Burry said.
The kettle campaign is a long-running tradition in the Okanagan and the rest of Canada.
“The Christmas Kettle Campaign has been iconic for many generations, well over 100 years,” Burry said.
Money collected as part of the campaign goes to help people who are struggling to make ends meet.
“The funds that we raise during these next six weeks are critical to not only our Christmas operations but through our year-round operations,” Burry said.
Last year, the Kettle Campaign raised more than $800,000. It helped more than 600 families during Christmas with 1,100 children receiving toys.
This year, organizers are hoping to raise at least the same amount, if not more, as the need for help is expected to be even higher.
“That puts a lot of families in a difficult situation…so we are anticipating there will be more families than ever needing to access our services this Christmas.”
Volunteers are also needed to help watch over the kettles.
“We have 5,000 volunteer hours to fill and so we are calling on the community to help us,” Burry said. “Every time you take a two-hour shift, it’s approximately $150 in donations.”
Anyone who would like to volunteer can call the Salvation Army at 250-860-2329 ext.234 or email kettles@kelsa.ca
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