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Central Okanagan  

Sally Ann sets $700,000 target

The Kelowna Salvation Army hopes people in the Central Okanagan are in a giving mood this holiday season.

Salvation Army lead Pastor, Lt. Darryl Burry, says they hope to be able to raise $300,000 through the annual kettle campaign which kicked off Friday morning, and another $400,000 through on-line and mail in donations.

Burry says the Salvation Army set up the on-line and mail in donation option a few years ago when kettle contributions began to slip.

"People are not always carrying as much cash as they have in the past so we have been able to provide the on-line option for people to be able to donate which is an avenue that has really taken off," says Burry during Friday's kick-off at the Kelowna Walmart.

"But there's always those who love the iconic kettles and like to make sure they have that pocket change so they can support through that medium as well."

The kettles will be set up at 19 different retail and mall locations throughout the Central Okanagan between now and Christmas Eve.

Donations raised will help the growing need, not only for the growing Christmas Hamper program but for other Salvation Army programs year round.

In 2013, the Salvation Army assisted nearly 6,000 individuals and 2,000 families through various charitable programs including Christmas hampers for more than 1,600 people and toy hampers for 900 children.

The Salvation Army is in the process of registering families for Christmas hampers.

To date, Burry says 300 families have already registered with the Salvation Army but expects that number to rise to between 450 and 500.

While people can donate cash through one of the various avenues available they can also donate non-perishable food and toys as well.

"Every donation of food and toys will go into supporting our programs and services."

Burry says toys are always welcome this time of year.

"We provide gifts for children 18 and under so generally it's a lot easier to get gifts for children who are younger in age from zero to four," says Burry.

"We generally have a little more of a challenge in getting toys that are appropriate for that eight to 11 year old range. For teenagers, what we try to provide is a gift certificate so they can go and purchase their own items."

Volunteers are also needed to man the kettles across the Central Okanagan.

Hundreds of volunteers are needed to cover approximately 2,500 two-hour shifts through Christmas Eve.

Click here for more information on donations or registering to receive a Christmas hamper.



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