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(STEVE ARSTAD / iNFOnews.ca)

Fundraising is down significantly this year for the Salvation Army Christmas Kettle campaign in Kamloops, and time is running out to make up the difference.

The total Christmas Campaign Goal for this year, including the kettles, is $450,000 and so far $272,000 has been raised, according to a Salvation Army media release issued today, Dec. 19.

“There was a rocky start,” Capt. Cory Fifield said in the release. “The challenge of losing and then regaining the two liquor store kettles was unexpected."

The B.C. Liquor Store Branch banned the Christmas kettles from their stores on Dec. 2 after deciding there were too many charity campaigns at its doors, and then lifted it again on Dec. 5. For roughly 30 years, Salvation Army volunteers have fundraised each holiday season with the annual kettle campaign outside of B.C. Liquor Stores.

READ MORE: Ban on Salvation Army kettles outside B.C. liquor stores lifted

As of Dec. 17, the kettles have brought in $179,000 out of the $240,000 kettle goal.

Other fundraising targets this season are not looking good. Almost half the funds come in through mail, in-person and online. This year’s goal for that campaign is $210,000 and so far $93,000 has been collected.

“Our hope is that those who have given in the past will come out in these finals days of the year and support us again because these funds are vital to the support we offer members of the Kamloops Community year-round,” the organization said. "This includes our mobile feeding ministry, Emergency food and financial assistance, as well as many other programs and services offered throughout the year.”

Those interested in donating can do so by giving in person, by phone, or by mail at 344 Poplar Street, or they can give online here until Dec. 31 for this tax year. Donations can also be dropped in kettles around the city until Dec. 24.

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