Photo: Salvation Army

The Penticton Salvation Army is looking for volunteers to donate their time and their smiles this holiday season for the annual kettle program, their biggest fundraiser of the year. 

Coordinator Val Fenn said she has 700 two-hour shifts that need filling from Nov. 22 to 24, and Nov. 29 to Dec. 24. 

"Basically they stand at the kettle and smile and say Merry Christmas," Fenn said. "All the money's used in the South Okanagan, for family services. The food bank, the hampers which is the biggest thing at Christmas time, last year we gave out 850."

The charity group is hoping to raise $160,000 this year, but it won't happen without volunteers willing to man the iconic red kettles and accept donations. 

120 volunteers have signed up to date with many of them offering to fill more than one slot over the course of the campaign, and several local service groups have come forward to take over all the Penticton locations for a day or two.

"That's really helpful when we get service groups, and there are a few that have come on board with that, but of course they're all very busy and committed to other things that they do in town!"

There are seven locations which will be open 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. throughout the campaign period, except Sundays. Two are at Cherry Lane and two at Walmart, with one each at Superstore, Safeway and the B.C. Liquor Store. 

​Oliver and Summerland will also have intermittent locations, including during the Summerland Festival of Light on Nov. 30.

"It's really fun, we get a lot of support, a lot of smiles. It helps people to give at Christmas time, especially in places like the mall where people are out spending money," Fenn said. "It's very rewarding. Most people will give whatever they can, big, little, whatever."

To volunteer, contact Fenn by phone or text at 250-488-0726 or be email at [email protected].

"Two hours is nothing really to give of your time," Fenn said "And it's just a good opportunity to give back."