Kamloops Salvation Army kicks off Christmas kettle campaign

Nov 16, 2017 | 10:33 AM

KAMLOOPS — Yet another sign the holiday season is upon us as the Kamloops Salvation Army officially kicked off its annual Christmas Kettle Campaign today.

Major Paul Trickett says the “Bells of Hope” will run for 33 consecutive days this year in Kamloops and Merritt and notes the goal is to raise a minimum of $200,000. Last year’s drive brought in just under $175,000.

He says the funds are critical as it helps pay for all the programming the Salvation Army provides throughout the year.

“So, when we don’t reach our targeted amount, then what we’ve planned for the year… we then go back and cut back here and there.”

Along with making a donation, Trickett says the community can help out by manning a kettle for a two hour shift.

“We use upwards of 300 different people a year and there’s a great need for volunteers,” he says. “What we try to tell people is basically, you don’t have to stand alone. If you have a friend, stand with a friend. It makes the time go by quicker. If you have a singing group, bring a singing group out and sing at the kettle. You can make it an event as well.”

He says the kettles will be situated outside various retailers around town. If you’d like to volunteer, call (250) 819-0017.