Eight days to raise $250K

Photo: Contributed

The Central Okanagan Salvation Army needs another $250,000 to hit their annual fundraising goal.

This year they set a goal of $700,000 -- $300,000 from the kettle campaign and $400,000 from the mailer and online donation campaign. 

All of the funds raised in the Central Okanagan go into local program delivery, the hamper program and services such as the emergency food bank. 

"Last year we actually raised $727,000 so we surpassed our goals. This year we're hoping to hit that $700,000," said Pastor Darryl Burry.

"Our kettles are only out until 2 p.m. Christmas Eve. We would like to reach that goal by Christmas if at all possible." 

Burry said the Sally Ann is still in need of volunteers to ring bells, particularly in West Kelowna. 

Anyone interested in helping out for a two hour shift can call 250-860-2329 ext 335. 

The other big push for the Salvation Army is their hamper program. Distribution of toy hampers began this week and 500 families will be picking up their food hampers on Friday.

"We are so thankful to our volunteers who are helping pack and distribute food on that day," Burry said. "Last year we had just shy of 450 families, so we are seeing a little bit of an increase this year approaching the 500 mark."