(Image Credit: CFJC News)

By Sydney Chisholm

salvation army

Salvation Army Kamloops pushes toward fundraising goals

Dec 18, 2024 | 4:42 PM

KAMLOOPS — The Salvation Army Kamloops is making a final push to reach its fundraising goals as the holiday season nears its end. With multiple campaigns underway, the organization aims to support local families through its annual Christmas initiatives and year-round programs.

Major Orest Goyak of the Salvation Army Kamloops reports the iconic Christmas Kettle Drive is progressing well, albeit slightly behind last year’s pace.

“We are at $169,000 of our $240,000 goal, which is 69 per cent,” said Goyak. “There are six days left, but I’m positive that we’re going to get that goal.”

The funds raised through these campaigns support various community programs including the distribution of Christmas hampers.

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“We have our Christmas hampers that we distribute during the Christmas season to help folks through Christmas with toys and food and gift cards,” Goyak explained. He emphasized that the money raised helps fund programs throughout the entire year.

In addition to the kettle campaign, the Salvation Army is running a mail-in campaign, that took a hit when Canada Post workers went on strike.

“We’re at $65,000 right now in our letter campaign that comes directly through the mail,” Goyak reported, adding that this figure represents 31 per cent of the branch’s goal for this initiative, with donations being accepted until Dec. 31. He says he’s optimistic now that Canadian Union of Postal Workers members have returned to work.

“I know that the postal workers are back to work, so we’re thanking them for that and we’re hoping that when the mail does come, it’s going to be full of envelopes,” he said.

This year, Salvation Army Kamloops provided assistance to more than 230 families through various types of aid, including meal hampers and the Adopt a Family program.