Christmas Cheer Campaign (image credit- CFJC Today)
HOLIDAY GIVING

Victoria Street businesses banding together to raise money for Christmas Cheer Fund

Dec 6, 2024 | 7:00 PM

KAMLOOPS — As Kamloops residents head out to start of finish their holiday shopping, local businesses along Victoria Street are ensuring your purchases go the extra mile.

A two-day event is taking over the 200-block of Victoria Street on Friday (Dec. 6) and Saturday as local retailers have come to together to support Kamloops charities during the holiday season. Christmas Cheer hopes to raise $40,000.

“We are being really optimistic, but last year we raised $30,000, and so it’s our 40th anniversary so we’ll put that out there and if we hit it, we are super happy. Whatever people can afford to give we are grateful for,” said Wenda Noonan, Executive Director for the BC Interior Community Foundation.

Approximately 20 shops along the block are participating in the Christmas Cheer Campaign. With a variety of retailers taking part, the initiatives differ between shops.

“At Fratelli, we are just going to donate a couple dollars of a sandwich, a couple dollars of these brie and camembert, mandarin oranges are going to be $2 straight to Christmas Cheer, and then we have a few other things in the store — prawns and olive oil, that kind of stuff,” said Mario Pietramala, Fratelli Foods owner. “When people buy things, you can hear the bells going behind you, money gets donated.”

The businesses are raising the funds for the BGC Kamloops Journey Program, Centre for Seniors Information Secret Santa, and the Y Women’s Emergency Shelter.

“We are going to try to raise as much as we can the next two days. If we could get $1,000, that would be great. We have 20 businesses on the street, so we could really raise some money,” said Pietramala.

As wallets become tighter, the initiative allows people’s limited funds to go further with the donations coming of the stores profit, all while supporting local.

“It’s mostly just awareness and getting out there and telling people about what the BC Interior Community Foundation does in our community, because this year we are going to give back close to $600,000. Plus an additional $615,000 has gone out to charity through the Community Prosperity Fund,” added Noonan.

Those donating to the cause can also grab a quick photo at the donation station pop up shop at 250 Victoria.