Salvation Army kettle donations are down substantially and the long-established charitable organization is appealing to the people of Kamloops to fill them up.

Image Credit: SUBMITTED/Salvation Army

Salvation Army kettle donations are down substantially and the long-established charitable organization is appealing to the people of Kamloops to fill them up.

Only nine days remain for the Christmas Kettle campaign in the city, which is the biggest annual fundraiser for the charity, and they are still $100,000 away from the annual financial target. 

“Last time this year we were $11,000 above where we are right now,” Salvation Army Major Orest Goyak said. “We are asking the public to come forward and fill our bubbles. We know this year is hard with inflation, most people are having to spend a lot more for groceries.”

Money collected by the Salvation Army go to those in need in a variety of ways including meal programs for families, care for disaster victims and programs for children. The organization has been operating in Kamloops for the past 150 years.

The kettles are found at retail outlets throughout the city and cash, cheque and tap are accepted. The tap option, called Tiptap can be used even if a kettle volunteer is not at the kettle. If you see the Tiptap, you can choose the amount to donate and tap.

“The tap option came about a couple of years ago but recently we got better at it as far as the reliability of them,” Goyak said. “Now even if its after hours and no one is there, if you see the tap option with a green light, you can just tap and we’ll receive the donation.”

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Goyak said there was a drop in volunteers but recently “made a plea to the public” and enough people have come forward to help finish the campaign.

"We are really in need of donations, and we only have nine days left, so no pressure." 

For more ways to donate this Christmas call The Salvation Army Kamloops at 250-554-1611, ext. 203.

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