Sally Ann set to launch Christmas drive

The Kelowna Salvation Army is kicking off its 2018 Christmas Kettle campaign this week to raise money for local families in need.

Community members are invited to gather at the Salvation Army Life Centre at 200 Rutland Rd. S. at 9 a.m. Thursday.

There will be music, cocoa and cookies, along with guided tours of the Community Life Centre.

“This is our opportunity to showcase our Community Life Centre operations,” said Pastor Darryl Burry, executive director for the Salvation Army. “From our casework offices and classroom facilities to our commercial kitchen and food bank operations, this is a very active facility that is impacting our community on a daily basis.”

In 2017, the Salvation Army helped almost 600 local families, including more than 1,100 children and teens through its Christmas food and toy program.

This was in addition to the regular assistance provided every day through the centres in Rutland and West Kelowna.

Funds raised through the annual kettle campaign allow the Salvation Army to continue supporting the local community both at Christmas and throughout the year, said Burry.

Volunteers will take two-hour shifts ringing the bells from Nov. 15 to Dec. 24 at businesses throughout the Central Okanagan.

There are 5,000 volunteer hours to fill in the community.

Shifts are scheduled based on the volunteer’s availability.

To sign up, go online to kelownasalvationarmy.ca, email kettles@kelsa.ca or call 250-860-2329, ext. 324.